The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned the public against the purchase and use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) products that are being promoted and sold on various social media platforms. According to the authority, these products are being promoted to assist with weight loss.In a statement, SAHPRA said it has become aware of companies and individuals illegally marketing GLP-1 products online and falsely claiming to be affiliated with or authorised by the authority and some of South Africa’s major retail pharmacies.
“The Authority wishes to clarify that these claims are untrue. SAHPRA, through its investigation, has discovered that the sellers of these products are not based in South Africa. The products are being shipped from China via post offices, not from a warehouse in Johannesburg or Cape Town, as stated in the advertisements. The shipped products are not identical to the advertised products. SAHPRA has not approved any oral GLP-1 solution for consumption,” warned the authority.
SAHPRA cautioned the public to exercise caution when buying medicines online, from unknown websites or social media pages, as these medicines may contain dangerous/harmful ingredients that might not be disclosed to the patients by the seller. Patients should only buy prescribed medicines from licensed and reputable pharmacies. Furthermore, SAHPRA warned that unauthorised selling, distribution, or advertising of medicines not registered in the country contravenes the Medicines and Related Substances Act of 1965.
“The Authority shall take all the necessary regulatory and legal action against any individual or organisation found engaging in such practices,” explained the statement.
The authority urged the public to report any suspicious medicine sales or false claims of SAHPRA approval. “Safeguarding the well-being of the South African public remains a primary concern for the regulatory authority. SAHPRA is monitoring the supply chain as well as the online platforms for unregistered, substandard, and falsified medicines containing or claiming to contain GLP-1 substances,” indicated SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.
