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Zimbabwe warn against illegal use of Ozempic as weight-loss drug
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The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Health Professions Authority (HPA) have issued a stern warning to the public over the illegal sale and use of Ozempic, a prescription drug being misused for rapid weight loss, despite its primary medical purpose of managing type 2 diabetes.
Popularly dubbed the "skinny jab" on social media, Ozempic has gained widespread attention for its off-label use in slimming routines. However, Zimbabwe's top health regulators have cautioned that unsupervised consumption of the drug poses severe health risks, including potentially life-threatening complications.
"Ozempic is a prescription medicine that must only be used under the strict supervision of a qualified and registered healthcare professional," said Mr. Richard T. Rukwata, Director-General of MCAZ. "Self-medicating or sourcing the drug from unauthorized vendors is extremely dangerous."
Authorities are alarmed by a growing trend where individuals are sourcing the drug through online marketplaces, social media platforms, and unlicensed dealers, bypassing essential safety protocols and increasing the risk of counterfeit or substandard products entering the market.
The MCAZ and HPA emphasize that prescription-only medicines cannot be legally sold or advertised by unlicensed persons, and that diagnosing or prescribing treatment by non-professionals is a criminal offense under both the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Regulations and the Health Professions Act.
"Only registered professionals and institutions are authorized to prescribe and dispense medicines," said Mrs. Clotilda Chimbwanda, Secretary-General of HPA. "Practitioners must hold valid practicing certificates, and the facilities they operate from must be officially registered."
In light of the recent surge in misuse, the two regulatory bodies are urging the public to seek medical treatment and advice only from registered health practitioners and to verify service providers through official HPA or MCAZ channels.
They are also calling on Zimbabweans to report any illegal activities related to the sale or advertising of prescription medicines.
"Our focus is on public health and safety," said Rukwata. "We encourage the public to report suspicious drug sales and ensure they receive proper care through legitimate health channels."
Members of the public can report any concerns or illegal sales of medicines by contacting MCAZ at www.mcaz.co.zw or HPA at www.hpa.co.zw, or through their respective hotlines.
Popularly dubbed the "skinny jab" on social media, Ozempic has gained widespread attention for its off-label use in slimming routines. However, Zimbabwe's top health regulators have cautioned that unsupervised consumption of the drug poses severe health risks, including potentially life-threatening complications.
"Ozempic is a prescription medicine that must only be used under the strict supervision of a qualified and registered healthcare professional," said Mr. Richard T. Rukwata, Director-General of MCAZ. "Self-medicating or sourcing the drug from unauthorized vendors is extremely dangerous."
Authorities are alarmed by a growing trend where individuals are sourcing the drug through online marketplaces, social media platforms, and unlicensed dealers, bypassing essential safety protocols and increasing the risk of counterfeit or substandard products entering the market.
The MCAZ and HPA emphasize that prescription-only medicines cannot be legally sold or advertised by unlicensed persons, and that diagnosing or prescribing treatment by non-professionals is a criminal offense under both the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Regulations and the Health Professions Act.
"Only registered professionals and institutions are authorized to prescribe and dispense medicines," said Mrs. Clotilda Chimbwanda, Secretary-General of HPA. "Practitioners must hold valid practicing certificates, and the facilities they operate from must be officially registered."
In light of the recent surge in misuse, the two regulatory bodies are urging the public to seek medical treatment and advice only from registered health practitioners and to verify service providers through official HPA or MCAZ channels.
They are also calling on Zimbabweans to report any illegal activities related to the sale or advertising of prescription medicines.
"Our focus is on public health and safety," said Rukwata. "We encourage the public to report suspicious drug sales and ensure they receive proper care through legitimate health channels."
Members of the public can report any concerns or illegal sales of medicines by contacting MCAZ at www.mcaz.co.zw or HPA at www.hpa.co.zw, or through their respective hotlines.
Source - HealthTimes
