Weight-loss medication costs raise concern in South Africa

South Africans using weight-loss injections may need to reconsider how they access their treatment as authorities take action against the unauthorised compounding of certain medicines.

The move has brought renewed attention to the cost of medically supervised weight management, with health management company Obiflex warning that registered alternatives could cost patients between R4 000 and R6 000 a month.

Reported by The South African the crackdown could affect as many as 300 000 people who rely on compounded GLP-1 treatments.

Cost creates a barrier to treatment

Obiflex CEO Shaun Barns identified affordability as a major challenge for people seeking weight-loss treatment.

Speaking about the financial barrier, Barns said many South Africans who want to pursue weight management cannot afford the monthly cost of registered alternatives.

The price difference could leave people who previously used cheaper compounded medicines having to reconsider their treatment options.

Concerns about products from unverified suppliers

The cost of registered medication has also raised concerns about where patients might turn if they can no longer access more affordable alternatives.

Barns warned that some people could seek cheaper products through unofficial channels, potentially exposing themselves to medicines with uncertain quality or dosage.

He said testing had identified discrepancies of up to 40% between the dosage stated on the labels of some illicit products and the amounts they actually contained.

Such differences could mean that consumers receive more or less medication than indicated on the packaging.

SAHPRA warns consumers

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has previously cautioned consumers against purchasing weight-loss medicines from unverified suppliers.

The regulator advises consumers to obtain scheduled medicines through legitimate healthcare channels and accredited pharmacies.

Its warnings are particularly relevant to products promoted or sold online and through social media, where consumers may have difficulty verifying their source.

What patients should consider

With registered treatment potentially costing thousands of rands each month, affordability remains a significant concern for people who rely on weight-loss medication.

However, purchasing medicines from unregulated sources could expose consumers to products with inaccurate dosages and uncertain quality.

Consumers should speak to a qualified healthcare professional about their treatment options and obtain medication through legitimate healthcare providers and pharmacies.

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