The Gauteng Department of Health has issued an urgent public warning over the growing use of unregulated injectable substances marketed for body enhancement and sexual performance, after two people in Ekurhuleni suffered severe medical complications, including organ failure.
Health officials said the cases, now under investigation, involved individuals who reportedly used unverified injectable products obtained through informal and illegal channels for cosmetic enhancement procedures commonly referred to as “BBL” treatments, as well as sexual performance enhancement.
The department warned that the substances involved are not approved for human use and may contain unknown or dangerous ingredients capable of causing life-threatening complications.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was increasingly concerned about the circulation of injectable products being administered outside regulated healthcare facilities.
“The Gauteng Department of Health wishes to caution members of the public against the use of unverified and unregulated injectable substances for body enhancement and sexual performance purposes,” said Mabona.
According to preliminary findings, some of the substances are allegedly being sold directly to members of the public together with syringes and other equipment for self-administration, bypassing all medical oversight and safety protocols.
Mabona further warned that misinformation surrounding the products was placing lives at risk, particularly claims suggesting that severe pain, swelling or burning after injection are signs that the substances are “working”.
“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,” he added.
Mabona said both patients were admitted to a public health facility with severe complications linked to the injections, prompting health regulators and law enforcement agencies to investigate the source and distribution of the substances.
“The Department is working in collaboration 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,” he said.
Officials further stressed that injectable products should only be prescribed and administered by qualified healthcare professionals operating within regulated medical environments.
Members of the public have also been urged to report the sale and distribution of unregistered medicines and injectable products to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority via enquiries@sahpra.org.za or by calling 012 501 0300.
The warning also comes amid growing concern over the rise of unregulated injectable and weight-loss products being sold online and through social media platforms, often without medical approval or safety testing.
Previously, The Star reported on increasing concerns around illegally marketed GLP-1 weight-loss injections, with SAHPRA warning that consumers seeking rapid weight-loss solutions were turning to so-called “miracle injections” advertised on social media. The regulator found that many of the products were being falsely marketed as approved or linked to major South African pharmacy chains.
SAHPRA further revealed that some of the products were being shipped from China despite claims they originated in Johannesburg or Cape Town, while others differed from what had been advertised online.
The regulator warned that unregistered injectable products may contain harmful or undisclosed ingredients and urged the public to only obtain medication through licensed healthcare professionals and registered pharmacies.
The Star
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