Sahpra

🚫 Counterfeit products are a real concern

Counterfeit medicines are a real and growing concern, both globally and in South Africa.
⚠️ What makes them especially risky is that they can look completely genuine — with convincing packaging and prices that may even seem like a “good deal” online.

❗ The problem is that what’s inside may be unsafe, ineffective, or not what it claims to be at all.

✅ That’s why it’s so important to only get medicines through authorised healthcare providers and trusted channels. When it comes to your health, it’s not worth taking chances.

💊 Always buy medicines from licensed pharmacies to stay safe!

For more information, visit http://sahpra.org.za

💊 Self-administration of medication

Using medicines without proper medical supervision can put your health at risk.
A healthcare professional is there to guide you — helping to decide whether a medicine is suitable for you, what the correct dose should be, and what possible side effects or risks to look out for.

⚠️ It may be tempting to follow what you see on social media, but prescription medicines should never be used based on trends or online recommendations alone.
✅ Your health deserves proper care and attention.

For more information, visit http://sahpra.org.za

⚠️ Unregistered products may pose health risks

Not all medicines you see online are what they claim to be. Unregistered medicines may contain unknown or incorrect ingredients, which means you could be putting your health at risk without even realising it.

❗ Always make sure medicines come from trusted, authorised sources — your health is too important to take chances with.

For more information, visit http://sahpra.org.za

💊 Always buy medicines from licensed pharmacies to stay safe!

✅ What SAHPRA wants the public to know

SAHPRA’s role is to protect public health by ensuring that all medicines available in South Africa meet the required standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

All medicines must undergo a regulatory review and evaluation process before they are authorised for use in South Africa. ⚠️ Unregistered products have not been subjected to these critical checks and may pose a risk to public health.

📌 Always ask:
• Is this medicine or product registered?
• Is it prescribed appropriately?
• Is it from a legitimate source?

For more information, visit http://sahpra.org.za

🌐 Beware of Online Sales

You have likely come across weight loss products being sold or advertised online, including on social media. These products are often marketed with bold promises and quick-fix solutions.

⚠️ Exercise caution when a product claims to offer:
• Rapid weight loss or instant results
• No requirement for proper medical advice

❗ When it comes to your health, the pursuit of quick results should never compromise your safety. It is always advisable to pause and verify whether what you are being offered is a SAHPRA-registered product.

💊 Always buy medicines from licensed pharmacies to stay safe!

For more information, visit http://sahpra.org.za

🚨 Be Alert

The use of GLP-1 products is increasing rapidly worldwide, including in South Africa. At the same time, social media and online platforms have made it significantly easier for unregistered products to be sold directly to the public.

⚠️ Some products may:
• Be counterfeit
• Contain harmful substances
• Have incorrect dosages
• Be stored improperly

✅ The public is encouraged to stay informed and make safe health decisions. Always engage your healthcare professional for advice.

💊 Always buy medicines from licensed pharmacies to stay safe!
For more information, visit http://sahpra.org.za

💉 What the public needs to know about GLP-1 peptides

There has been an increase in the distribution and sale of GLP-1 products (injections) for weight management across South Africa — including through unauthorised channels such as online platforms and other public spaces.

GLP-1 products are prescription medicines used to manage conditions such as diabetes and obesity under medical supervision. They may help some individuals:
• Control appetite
• Improve blood sugar control
• Support weight management

⚠️ However, these are not “miracle injections” or quick fixes.
SAHPRA urges the public to use medicines responsibly and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

❗ Using unregistered medicines can place your health at serious risk.

📢 SAHPRA Graduate Internship Programme 2026–2027

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) invites applications for its 12-month Graduate Internship Programme:

🔹 5 x Internship Posts – Health Products Authorisations Unit
🔹 1 x Internship Post – Inspectorate and Regulatory Compliance Unit

Kick-start your career and gain valuable experience in healthcare regulation.

🗓 Closing date: Tuesday, 15 June 2026

🔗 Find out more and apply: https://bit.ly/41uX9Uk

🎙️ Tune in at 18:50 — important public safety discussion on air.

🔬 What are “peptides”?

Think of them as tiny building blocks your body uses to make proteins — helping to construct and repair different parts of your body.

They occur naturally in the body and play an important role in functions like hormones, healing, and communication between cells.

Some products made from these building blocks are being marketed for weight loss, muscle building, anti-ageing and performance enhancement. However, not all of these products are registered or tested for safety.

⚠️ Always be cautious and speak to a healthcare professional before using any of these products.

For more information, visit www.sahpra.org.za