SAHPRA cautions consumers against buying weightloss medicine online

South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) warns consumers to purchase products from licenced pharmacies.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has urged consumers to be cautious when purchasing weightloss medicine online and only buy from accredited pharmacies.

This after the authority identified several companies advertising unauthorised medicine and falsely claiming to be authorised by the regulator.

The product that is allegedly being falsely advertised is GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) products.

SAHPRA Spokesperson Yuven Gounden says the regulator will take legal action against individuals and companies found selling such products.

“Many products are shipped from outside of South Africa and claim to be within our borders, which is also false. SAPHRA urges the public to exercise caution when buying medicines online and to purchase medicines only from accredited pharmacies and retailers. SAPHRA also warns of the unauthorised selling distribution and advertising of medicines that are not registered with SAPHRA as this will be seen in a very serious light.”

Media Release: SAHPRA warns the public about GLP-1 products sold through social media platforms

SAHPRA cautions members of the public against purchasing or using GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) products that are being promoted and sold on various social media platforms. These…

— SAHPRA (@SAHPRA1) November 12, 2025