By Staff Reporter
HARARE – Zimbabwean health authorities have issued a stern warning against the illegal sale, purchase, and use of Ozempic, a prescription medication increasingly being misused for weight loss purposes.
In a joint statement, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Health Professions Authority (HPA) raised alarm over the rising trend of using Ozempic, also known as the “skinny jab,” outside of clinical settings.
The drug, primarily intended for managing type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity on social media and unregulated markets as a weight-loss solution.
“Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine that must be used strictly under the guidance of a qualified and registered healthcare professional,” authorities said.
“Using it without proper supervision can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications,” they added
The regulatory bodies urged the public to avoid purchasing the drug from unlicensed sources, including social media platforms, online stores, informal traders, and other unauthorized outlets. Such sources, they warned, are often linked to substandard or counterfeit medicines, posing significant health risks.
They also emphasized that the illegal distribution of prescription drugs violates various sections of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control (General) Regulations, 1991. This includes the sale of unregistered medicines and the dispensing of drugs by individuals without proper authorization.
Furthermore, the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) strictly prohibits unqualified persons from diagnosing or prescribing treatment activities reserved for certified professionals only.
“Only licensed practitioners with valid certificates from their respective Councils, and institutions registered with the HPA and MCAZ, are legally permitted to diagnose, prescribe, and dispense medication,” the statement added.
Authorities are urging the public to report any illegal sale or advertising of Ozempic and to consult only registered professionals for weight management or diabetes treatment.
Ozempic contains semaglutide, which mimics a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. While approved for diabetes, it has seen a surge in off-label use for slimming, a practice that has led to growing international concern over misuse and shortages.
