The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, has cautioned the public against the off-label use of Semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic, for weight loss.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 19, PPB Chief Executive Officer Fred Siyoi warned that the drug is strictly approved for the treatment of adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Acknowledging the increasing popularity of the medication in the country for weight loss, the board cautioned that the use of the drug without the proper medical supervision or prescription might, in turn, result in serious health risks.
Some common side effects of the drug include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), eye conditions, acid (gastro-oesophageal) reflux disease, and intestinal obstruction, which can range from mild to severe, according to PPB.
