Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public health alert over the rising misuse of Ozempic, a semaglutide-based drug approved for type 2 diabetes, now increasingly sought after for rapid weight loss.
Health Risks and Regulatory Warning
The PPB cautioned that unsupervised use of Ozempic poses serious health risks, including:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Acid reflux disease
- Eye disorders
- Intestinal obstruction
“Semaglutide is a prescription-only medicine, and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes,” said PPB CEO Dr. Fred Siyoi.
The regulator emphasised that Ozempic is approved only for adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and must be used under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.
Counterfeit Concerns and Black Market Risks
The situation is compounded by the circulation of counterfeit Ozempic pens in Kenya, bypassing regulated supply chains and raising concerns over safety and efficacy. The PPB urged consumers to:
- Purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies
- Report suspected side effects or poor-quality products via official pharmacovigilance portals
“The public is advised against the off-label use of medicines and encouraged to report any suspected side effects and poor quality products,” Dr. Siyoi added.
Social Media Influence and Rising Demand
The warning comes amid a global surge in Ozempic’s popularity for weight loss, amplified locally by Kenyan influencers sharing dramatic before-and-after results. Lifestyle content creator Lydia Wanjiru shared:
“When I started Ozempic…I was exactly 100 kgs. As of last week…I was 84 kgs. So, I’ve lost 16 kgs after three pens of Ozempic.”
Other influencers, including Sandra Dacha and Kelvin Kinuthia, have also publicly endorsed the drug, often revealing where they source it, raising concerns about unregulated access.
Medical Experts Urge Caution
Doctors are sounding the alarm over the drug’s misuse. Dr. Caroline Mithi, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist in Nairobi, warned:
“Semaglutide can cause nausea, bloating, gastritis, and diarrhea. In high-risk individuals, it may trigger acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or thyroid cancer.”
She stressed that the drug should only be prescribed after a thorough medical evaluation and lab testing.
Global Scrutiny and Legal Action
Internationally, Ozempic has come under fire. In the U.S., manufacturer Novo Nordisk faces lawsuits from patients alleging severe gastrointestinal side effects. The company denies wrongdoing, stating that safety information is disclosed and the drug is approved only for diabetes management.
A Call for Responsible Use
As Ozempic’s popularity grows in Kenya, regulators and health professionals are urging restraint. The PPB continues to advocate for responsible prescribing, regulated access, and public awareness to prevent misuse and protect vulnerable populations.
