The Gauteng Department of Health warns the public against the use of unverified and unregulated injectable substances for body enhancement and sexual performance purposes, following two serious cases identified in the Ekurhuleni region.
According to the department, a few cases are currently under investigation, involving two individuals who presented at a public health facility with severe complications, including organ failure, following the use of unregulated substances obtained through informal channels.
The department stated that these substances were reportedly administered for body enhancement purposes, including practices commonly referred to as ‘BBL’ procedures, as well as for sexual performance enhancement.
“Preliminary findings indicate that these substances are being accessed outside regulated healthcare environments and, in some instances, are supplied directly to individuals together with equipment for self-administration,” said the health department.
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The department highlighted that such products are not approved for human use and their composition remains unknown, posing significant risks to public health and safety.
The department shared that it is working with relevant regulatory and law enforcement authorities to trace the source and distribution of these substances and to ensure appropriate compliance and enforcement action is taken to prevent further incidents.
“Members of the public are urged to exercise caution and to avoid any injectable product that has not been prescribed and administered by a qualified healthcare professional.”
“The Department is concerned about misleading claims associated with such products, including the notion that pain, swelling or burning following injection indicates effectiveness. These symptoms are, in fact, often indicative of serious underlying complications,” said the department.
The health department has encouraged the residents to report the sale or distribution of unregistered medicines and related products to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) via enquiries@sahpra.org.za or by calling 012 501 0300.
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