If you have been scrolling through social media lately, you have probably seen influencers and pop-up ads punting GLP-1 drops or solutions that promise quick and effortless weight loss.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is urging the public to steer clear of these products, many of which are being marketed with false claims and no regulatory approval.
SAHPRA says it has identified companies and individuals selling GLP-1 products online while pretending to be linked to major retail pharmacies or even the regulator itself.
These claims are completely false.
According to the Authority, the sellers are not based in South Africa, despite advertising that the items ship from Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Instead, the products are being posted from China, and the items that arrive are not the same as the ones advertised.
SAHPRA has also confirmed that it has not approved any oral GLP-1 solution for consumption.
The regulator is calling on the public to be extremely cautious when buying medicines online, especially from unknown websites or social media pages.
Fake or unregulated products may contain harmful ingredients that sellers never disclose. SAHPRA reminds consumers that prescribed medicines should only be purchased from licensed and reputable pharmacies.
A full list of registered medicines is available on the SAHPRA website.
Selling or promoting an unregistered medicine in South Africa is against the law and falls under the Medicines and Related Substances Act of 1965.
SAHPRA says it will take regulatory and legal action against anyone involved in these illegal activities.
Suspicious sales or false claims of SAHPRA approval can be reported to the Authority’s 24-hour hotline at 0800 204 307.
“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.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1.
It is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.
Medicines that act on GLP-1 are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Some of them have also been shown to help with weight loss because they slow down digestion and increase feelings of fullness.
These medicines are prescription only and must be used under medical supervision.
Safe, approved versions are available in South Africa, but they come in specific forms such as injections.
SAHPRA has confirmed that no oral GLP-1 solutions have been approved for use in the country.
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