MCAZ Cracks Down on Illegal Sale of Ozempic Weight...

MCAZ Cracks Down on Illegal Sale of Ozempic Weight Loss Drug

Rutendo Mazhindu-ZimNow Reporter

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) raised alarm over the rising illegal sale and unsupervised use of Ozempic, a prescription drug meant for managing type 2 diabetes, which is now being widely abused for weight loss.

The drug, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, has become popular on social media under the nickname "skinny jab", with users seeking rapid weight loss results. However, MCAZ, in collaboration with the Health Professions Authority (HPA), warned that using Ozempic without a valid prescription and proper medical supervision poses serious health risks.

MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata said the drug is only approved for use under the direction of a registered health professional.

“Ozempic is a prescription-only medicine and should only be dispensed upon presentation of a valid prescription. Its unsupervised use, particularly for weight loss, can result in harmful side effects and long-term complications,” he said.

The warning comes amid a surge in online advertisements and underground sales of Ozempic through unlicensed individuals, social media platforms, and informal outlets.

He said this trend not only endangers public health but also contravenes national drug control laws.

“Selling medicines without a licence from unregistered premises is a violation of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control (General) Regulations, 1991,” Rukwata said. He cited Sections 50 and 52 of the regulations, as read with Section 106, which prohibit the unauthorised distribution of controlled substances.

The Health Professions Authority also expressed concern over the growing number of unqualified individuals administering and prescribing Ozempic.

HPA SecretaryGeneral Clotilda Chimbwanda said such actions breach the Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19], which forbids any person who is not duly registered or licensed from performing duties reserved for health professionals.

“Diagnosis, prescribing, and treatment must be carried out strictly by professionals who are registered and licensed to do so,” she said.

Consumers have been urged to seek health services only from properly accredited facilities and personnel.

A licensed healthcare provider must possess a practising certificate, while premises must display valid registration with both HPA and MCAZ.

Members of the public were warned not to purchase medication from online dealers or informal traders who are not recognised by the regulatory authorities.

MCAZ said that unregistered medicines and counterfeit products, which are often sold through these channels, may cause adverse effects and, in some cases, prove fatal.