By Grace Gilo
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, has issued a safety alert regarding the off-label use of Semaglutide-containing products for weight loss.
Semaglutide is commonly known to the public as Ozempic.
“The Board wishes to bring to the attention of the public that Semaglutide is a Prescription-Only Medicine and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes,” read the statement from the board in part.
According to Dr. Siyol, PPB Chief Executive Officer, Semaglutide is approved for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus that is insufficiently controlled.
Dr. Siyol acknowledged that while the benefits of Semaglutide generally outweigh its risks, serious safety concerns continue to be raised, especially when it is used for purposes not approved by medical guidelines.
Some of the most common side effects of Semaglutide include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), eye conditions, acid (gastroesophageal) reflux disease), and intestinal obstruction, which can range from mild to severe.
“In light of the foregoing safety concerns, the public is advised against the off-label use of the medicines and encouraged to report any suspected side effects and poor quality products through the following official reporting channels of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB),” Dr. Siyoi added.