The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a safety alert warning Kenyans against the unsupervised use of Semaglutide-containing drugs, such as Ozempic, for weight loss due to potential health risks. These drugs are approved strictly for the treatment of adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• The PPB cautioned that self-medication could cause serious complications, including hypoglycemia, eye conditions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and intestinal obstruction.

• PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fred Siyoi stated that while benefits outweigh risks when used appropriately, serious safety concerns arise when the drug is taken outside approved medical purposes.

• The alert comes amid a global surge in demand for Ozempic, with regulators in Europe and the United States also raising concerns about shortages and misuse.