Drug Regulator Flags Counterfeit Ozempic as Misuse Grows
By Chemtai Kirui, NAIROBI, Kenya
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has warned against unsupervised use of Ozempic for weight loss, citing rising misuse, counterfeit products, and serious health risks, while urging the public to report side effects.
Ozempic, developed by Danish company Novo Nordisk, is a weekly injection originally designed to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, while also suppressing appetite and slowing digestion.
The active ingredient of this medication, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural gut hormone — is also sold under the brand name Wegovy.
Though not licensed for weight management, the drug has gained global attention for its slimming effects, popularized on social media as a quick weight-loss solution.
In a statement Tuesday, PPB CEO Dr. Fred Siyoi said that while semaglutide’s benefits are proven under medical supervision, misuse could trigger severe side effects, including dangerously low blood sugar, acid reflux, intestinal blockages, and vision problems.
“Semaglutide is a medicine, not a quick-fix weight-loss tool,” Dr. Siyoi said. “Without a doctor’s supervision, users are exposed to a range of serious side effects that can escalate quickly.”
The growing off-label use of Ozempic has also raised ethical concerns over affordability, drug shortages for diabetic patients, and equitable access.
Locally, doses are reported to cost between KSh100,000 and KSh150,000, with no insurance coverage, making the treatment accessible mainly to wealthier individuals. Experts warn this risks widening health disparities.
The PPB has also warned that fake Ozempic pens are being sold in Kenya and urged individuals not to self-prescribe or buy from untrustworthy sources.
“In light of the foregoing safety concerns, the public are encouraged to report any suspected side effects or poor-quality products,” Siyoi said.
These concerns can be reported through the PPB’s Pharmacovigilance Electronic Reporting System, by email at pv@ppb.go.ke, by phone at +254 795 743 049, or by dialing *271#.
