Regulators Warn Against Recalled Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Dispensing

Posted 10 July 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Healthcare Regulatory Compliance

Brought to you by SAnews: South African health regulators have issued a joint warning to healthcare professionals regarding the continued prescription and dispensing of recalled iDEXIS Semaglutide and Tirzepatide products under the Medicines and Related Substances Act.

In terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, No. 101 of 1965, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) have issued a joint directive warning pharmacies and dispensing medical practitioners against the continued use, prescription, and dispensing of recalled weight loss and diabetes medications.

The warning specifically targets the following products, which were recalled by SAHPRA in June 2026:

  • iDEXIS Semaglutide
  • iDEXIS Tirzepatide
  • iDEXIS Semaglutide/Tirzepatide

According to the regulators, these products pose a severe risk to patient safety. Any healthcare professional found to have dispensed, prescribed, or kept stock of these recalled products will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Medicines and Related Substances Act, No. 101 of 1965. The authorities emphasized that professionals continuing to prescribe or dispense these medications are knowingly endangering public health.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Ensure you do not write prescriptions for or personally recommend any recalled iDEXIS Semaglutide or Tirzepatide formulations to avoid professional misconduct investigations.
  • For your business: Audit pharmacy and clinic inventories immediately to identify, quarantine, and safely dispose of any remaining stock of the recalled iDEXIS products to prevent statutory non-compliance.
  • For your clients: Advise healthcare providers and pharmaceutical distributors of the severe disciplinary risks and potential liability under Act 101 of 1965 if they fail to comply with the June 2026 recall directive.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/health-practitioners-warn-continued-dispensing-dangerous-weight-loss-drugs

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