South Africa’s health regulators are revising rules on the customisation of medicines, including popular GLP-1 treatments for diabetes and weight loss. The changes aim to address growing demand for cheaper alternatives to drugs like Ozempic. Health officials have warned pharmacies not to act as small-scale manufacturers without proper authorization.
The review follows increased pressure from patients and healthcare providers seeking more affordable options for weight management and diabetes treatment. GLP-1 drugs, known for their effectiveness in weight loss and blood sugar control, have seen rising interest. However, customising these medications without oversight poses risks to safety and efficacy.
This move comes as part of broader efforts to improve access to essential medicines while ensuring regulatory compliance. The revised guidelines will likely include stricter controls on how pharmacies handle customised prescriptions. The process is expected to take several months, with final rules yet to be announced.
