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SAHPRA flags recalled Ozempic-like semaglutide and tirzepatide products
Semaglutide and tirzepatide products are under scrutiny after South Africa’s health regulators warned against the use, prescription and dispensing of recalled iDEXIS medicines.
The South African Pharmacy Council, the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority issued the warning on 8 July 2026, saying the products pose a ‘severe risk to patients’ safety and/or users.’
The regulators said any healthcare professional who continues to prescribe, dispense or keep stock of the recalled products may face disciplinary action under the Medicines and Related Substances Act. SAHPRA classified the recall as a Class I, Type A action, which places it among the most serious safety alerts.
The authority also said professionals found to be involved would be ‘knowingly be endangering the health of the public.’
What are semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are active ingredients used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, support weight management. The current SAHPRA recall applies only to specific recalled iDEXIS products, not all medicines containing these ingredients.
| Active ingredient | Common use |
|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes and weight management |
| Tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes and weight management |
Watch @therealnobody84 TikTok video below:
@therealnobody84 Semaglutide and Tirzepatide products made by Sentra Pharmacy (Pretoria) have been recalled. Class I = most serious. Check your pens and stop using them ASAP. Speak to your doctor before stoppingespecially for diabetes. Share this to spread the word. #SAHPRA #Semaglutide #Tirzepatide #creatorsearchinsights #southafricancontentcreators @NewsNexusOfficial ♬ Original Sound – Unknown
