Pretoria: Health regulators have warned against the use or dispensing of recalled drugs Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.

According to South African Government News Agency, the two medications, originally intended for diabetes treatment, are being misused for weight loss purposes. The South African Pharmacy Council, Health Professions Council of South Africa, and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority have issued a public warning to pharmacies and medical practitioners regarding the continued use, prescription, and dispensing of iDEXIS Semaglutide, iDEXIS Tirzepatide, and iDEXIS Semaglutide/Tirzepatide. These drugs were recalled by SAHPRA in June 2026.

The authorities emphasized that the continued use, prescription, and dispensing of these products pose a severe risk to patients' safety. Healthcare professionals found dispensing, prescribing, or stocking the recalled products will face disciplinary actions under applicable laws, including the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965.

The warning further stated that professionals prescribing or dispensing these medications will be knowingly endangering public health.