Pharmacy Board warns Kenyans against unsupervised use of Ozempic for weight loss
By Cy Muganda, August 19, 2025The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a safety alert warning Kenyans against the unsupervised or off-label use of Semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic, for weight loss purposes due to serious health risks.
In a statement issued on its X account on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the national medicines regulatory authority, through its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Siyoi, emphasised the dangers of using the prescription medication without proper medical supervision.
“Semaglutide is a Prescription-Only Medicine and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes,” the statement reads.
The Board clarified that the medication has specific approved uses and should not be used for unauthorised purposes.
“Semaglutide, commonly known to the public as Ozempic and other generic names, is approved for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus that is insufficiently controlled,” the statement added.
Side effects warning
While acknowledging the medication’s therapeutic value when used appropriately, PPB highlighted ongoing safety concerns about its misuse.
“While the benefits of Semaglutide outweigh its risks, serious safety concerns continue to be raised, particularly when it is used outside its approved medical purposes,” PPB stated
Among the common side effects highlighted by PPB are low blood sugar, eye complications, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and intestinal obstruction.
“Some of the most common side effects of Semaglutide include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), eye conditions, acid (gastroesophageal) reflux disease, and intestinal obstruction, which can range from mild to severe,” PPB added.
Reporting channels
The regulator urged the public to avoid off-label use of the drug and to report any suspected side effects or substandard products through its official reporting channels.
“The public is advised against the off-label use of the medicines and encouraged to report any suspected side effects and poor quality products,” Siyoi stated.
The Board concluded its statement by acknowledging the importance of public participation in medication safety monitoring.
“The Board appreciates your continued support and collaboration in promoting the safe use of medicines,” Siyoi concluded.
