Health regulators in South Africa have warned pharmacies against operating as small-scale manufacturers of customised weight-loss drugs. The move comes as national regulations on medication customisation are being updated. The South African Pharmacy Council, led by Registrar and CEO Vincent Tlala, is working with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to revise minimum standards and guidelines. These changes aim to ensure safer practices and better oversight of compounded medications, including popular GLP-1 therapies used for diabetes and weight loss.
The updated rules target pharmacies that may be producing customised versions of medications without proper licensing. This includes drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are commonly used for managing diabetes and aiding weight loss. The collaboration between the Pharmacy Council and SAHPRA highlights growing concerns over the safety and quality of compounded medications.
Compounded drugs are made to meet specific patient needs, but they carry risks if not produced under strict guidelines. The new regulations aim to reduce these risks by enforcing stricter quality control and licensing requirements. This follows reports of inconsistent quality and potential health risks associated with some customised medications. The changes are expected to take effect soon, with further details to be released by the authorities.
