The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has warned Kenyans against using Semaglutide-containing drugs, including Ozempic, for weight loss.

The Board said while the medication is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus that is insufficiently controlled, unsupervised use for slimming purposes carries serious health risks.

PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fred Siyoi emphasized in an advisory released on Tuesday that “Semaglutide is a prescription-only medicine and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes.”

Dr. Siyoi noted that Semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and under various generic names, should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional and strictly for its approved medical use.

He added that although the drug’s benefits outweigh its risks for diabetic patients, concerns remain when it is used outside its intended purpose.

The PPB highlighted potential side effects, which include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), eye conditions, acid reflux, and intestinal obstruction, with severity ranging from mild to severe.

“In light of the foregoing safety concerns, the public is advised against the off-label use of the medicines and encouraged to report any suspected side effects and poor quality products,” Dr. Siyoi said.

Kenyans experiencing adverse reactions have been urged to file complaints through official PPB pharmacovigilance reporting channels.

The warning comes amid a global trend fueled by social media, where non-diabetic individuals seek Ozempic as a so-called miracle weight-loss solution.

Authorities fear this craze could drive unregulated consumption, adverse reactions, and black-market sales, prompting the renewed call for caution and responsible use of prescription medicines.