Nairobi, Kenya – August 19, 2025 – The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has issued a strong advisory cautioning the public against the off-label use of Semaglutide-containing compounds, widely marketed under brand names such as Ozempic, for weight loss.
According to the PPB, the drug is only approved for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults whose blood sugar is insufficiently controlled. However, its misuse by individuals seeking rapid weight loss solutions poses significant health risks.
PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fred Siyoi stressed that “Semaglutide is a prescription-only medicine and its unsupervised or off-label use may result in serious health outcomes.” He further advised that the drug should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional for its approved medical purpose.
Rising Global Craze for Weight Loss Jabs
The warning follows a global social media trend where non-diabetic individuals have turned to Ozempic, branding it as a so-called “miracle slimming jab.” This craze has triggered shortages in some countries, raising fears of black-market sales, unregulated use, and severe side effects.
In Kenya, authorities are concerned that the rising demand could lead to self-medication, counterfeit products, and adverse reactions, making regulatory oversight even more critical.
Public Advisory
The PPB urged Kenyans to:
- Avoid purchasing Semaglutide/Ozempic without a prescription.
- Seek medical advice from certified healthcare professionals before using any diabetes medication.
- Report suspicious sales or adverse drug reactions to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board through official reporting channels.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health by tightening regulation of prescription medicines and monitoring potential misuse trends.
