South Africa has escalated its crackdown on copycat weight-loss medicines, ordering the recall of compounded versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro while warning doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals that they could face fines, disciplinary action or even lose their licences for prescribing, dispensing or stocking the products.
The coordinated action by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) marks a significant escalation in a legal battle that has transformed South Africa into one of the first African countries to aggressively police the booming market for compounded GLP-1 medicines.
The recall targets products manufactured by Pretoria-based pharmacy group iDexis, including compounded semaglutide, tirzepatide and combination formulations.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster Ozempic and Wegovy medicines, while tirzepatide is found in Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The regulators said continued use, prescription or dispensing of the recalled medicines poses a serious risk to patient safety.
