The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has once again raised the alarm over the misuse of Ozempic, a drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but increasingly sought after by Kenyans for off-label weight loss.
What Ozempic Is Meant For
Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is a prescription drug used globally to help regulate blood sugar in adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. When prescribed by a doctor, it lowers glucose levels and reduces risks associated with the disease.
However, its side effect of reducing appetite has made it popular among those seeking rapid weight loss. This trend, amplified by social media influencers and unregulated sellers, has triggered a wave of misuse in Kenya.
PPB’s Warning to the Public
In a statement, PPB Chief Executive Officer Fred Siyoi reminded Kenyans that Ozempic is strictly a Prescription-Only Medicine. He cautioned that using it without medical supervision is not only unlawful but could also expose users to severe health risks.
“The Board wishes to bring to the attention of the public that Semaglutide is a Prescription-Only Medicine, and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes,” Siyoi said.
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Health Risks Linked to Misuse
The Board highlighted several dangers associated with unsupervised use of Ozempic:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Eye complications
- Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux)
- Intestinal obstruction
Some of these conditions, such as intestinal blockage or dangerously low blood sugar, could be life-threatening if the drug is taken without medical monitoring.
Government’s Wider Crackdown
The Ministry of Health, through Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, has also announced stronger regulatory measures to control misuse. These include stricter checks on importation, auditing pharmacies, and cracking down on unauthorized online sales of Ozempic.
The government has made it clear that only licensed medical practitioners are allowed to prescribe the drug, and that pharmacies should dispense it only upon a valid prescription.
How Kenyans Can Report Abuse
The PPB has set up channels for the public to report suspected misuse, counterfeit drugs, or adverse side effects linked to Ozempic and other medicines:
- Pharmacovigilance Electronic Reporting System: pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org
- Email: pv@ppb.go.ke
- Hotline: +254 795 743 049
- USSD Code: *271#
These platforms allow Kenyans to share concerns directly with regulators and help prevent further abuse.
Summary at a Glance
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Approved use | Type 2 diabetes management only |
| Misuse trend | Off-label use for weight loss, driven by social media and quick-fix appeal |
| Health risks | Hypoglycemia, acid reflux, eye issues, intestinal obstruction |
| Government stance | Prescription-only, crackdown on unauthorized sales |
| Reporting channels | Online system, hotline, email, USSD |
The Takeaway
While Ozempic has proven life-changing for diabetes patients under proper medical supervision, its misuse as a weight-loss shortcut is dangerous. Kenyan health authorities are urging the public to seek professional advice before using prescription drugs and to report any suspicious sales or adverse reactions.
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