Johannesburg — South Africa’s top health regulators have issued a stern warning against the continued use, prescription, or dispensing of recalled iDEXIS Semaglutide and Tirzepatide products, citing severe risks to patient safety.
The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said the drugs — iDEXIS Semaglutide, iDEXIS Tirzepatide, and iDEXIS Semaglutide/Tirzepatide — were recalled in June 2026.
These drugs were classified under a Class I, Type A Recall, the most serious category.
SAHPRA determined that the products pose a significant danger to public health.
“Any healthcare professional found to have dispensed, prescribed, or kept stock of the recalled products will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965,” the regulators said in a joint statement on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.
The warning comes amid growing use of semaglutide and tirzepatide globally for diabetes management and weight loss.
Regulators stressed that continued distribution of the recalled iDEXIS versions would amount to knowingly endangering patients.
The recall notice, including a full list of affected products, is available on SAHPRA’s website.
Members of the public are urged to check whether they have received any of the recalled medicines and to stop use immediately.
A joint statement issued by SAPC Registrar and CEO Vincent Tlala, SAHPRA CEO Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, and HPCSA Interim Registrar Dr. Karmani S Chetty ordered that pharmacies and medical practitioners be instructed to remove all affected stock without delay.
