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Some medicines sold online, through social media, or by informal sellers may not be what they claim to be. They may be counterfeit, falsified, substandard or unregistered — and this can put your health at risk.
This page explains how to spot warning signs, why prescription medicines should only be used with proper medical guidance, and what to do if you are worried about a medicine, you have bought or been offered.
If you are unsure, do not use the medicine. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist first.
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) advises the public to use legitimate products only: in original packaging, from licensed manufacturers, prescribed by registered healthcare professionals and dispensed by licensed pharmacists. It also warns that products from social media, online vendors, gyms or informal suppliers are likely to be counterfeit or substandard.
South African regulators have warned the public about unregistered GLP‑1 and GIP medicines being promoted for weight loss. SAHPRA and the South African Pharmacy Council have taken enforcement action against unlawful manufacturing and distribution of these products.
These actions are helping people make safer choices and avoid products that may not have been properly registered, manufactured, stored or supplied.
The court ruled in favour of Novo Nordisk South Africa and granting our interim interdict application. iDexis was found to be illegally compounding semaglutide as the Judge ruled that only registered APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredient) can be used in a compound, on presentation of a prescription from a doctor. The court noted that iDexis was sourcing and using an untested API that was not registered or sourced from the original registered supplier.
Compounded medicine
Compounding is when a pharmacy prepares a medicine for a specific patient in specific circumstances, based on a valid prescription. Compounded medicine is not the same as mass manufacturing. SAHPRA has stated that compounding must remain within the limits of South African law and cannot be used for large-scale manufacture, advertising or distribution of unregistered medicines.
Counterfeit or falsified medicine
A counterfeit or falsified medicine is designed to look like a real, authorised medicine, but it may not be made by the genuine manufacturer or supplied through the correct legal channels.
It may contain:
Unregistered medicine
An unregistered medicine has not been approved by SAHPRA for sale in South Africa. That means it has not gone through the required local review for quality, safety and effectiveness.
Be careful if a medicine is:
SAHPRA has specifically warned the public about GLP‑1 products sold through social media platforms, including false claims of SAHPRA approval and products shipped from outside South Africa.
1. Do not use it
If the product looks suspicious, do not inject it, swallow it or continue using it.
2. Keep the evidence
Keep the packaging, receipt, batch number, seller details, screenshots and any messages.
3. Speak to a healthcare professional
Take the product to a pharmacist or speak to your doctor. They can help you decide what to do next.
4. Report suspicious products
Report suspicious medicine sales or false claims of SAHPRA approval to SAHPRA. SAHPRA lists a 24-hour hotline: 0800 204 307. SAHPRA whistleblower site: https://www.sahpra.org.za/whistleblower/
5. Get urgent medical help if needed
If you feel unwell after using any medicine — especially an injectable product — seek medical help immediately.
