South Africa’s three major health regulatory bodies — SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority), the SAPC (South African Pharmacy Council) and the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) — issued a joint recall warning on 8 July 2026 regarding iDexis semaglutide and tirzepatide products.
The recall was classified as Class I, Type A — the most serious safety alert category in South Africa’s regulatory framework, reserved for products that pose a severe risk to patient safety. Regulators warned healthcare professionals against prescribing, dispensing or continuing to use these products.
Healthcare professionals who continue to prescribe or dispense the recalled products face potential disciplinary action under the Medicines and Related Substances Act. The recall followed a joint inspection of iDexis’s Pretoria facility, which found the company was manufacturing and supplying unregistered GLP-1 medicines beyond the scope permitted under South Africa’s compounding framework.
iDexis rejected the findings and is appealing the recall and related regulatory decisions. The company maintains that its products were legally compounded using quality-tested active pharmaceutical ingredients. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
For patients: if you are currently using iDexis semaglutide or tirzepatide products, stop using them and consult your doctor. Do not attempt to continue using recalled stock. Transition to a registered alternative should be discussed with your prescribing doctor as a matter of urgency.
Sources
- Joburg ETC. SAHPRA flags recalled semaglutide and tirzepatide products. 8 July 2026. https://www.joburgetc.com/news/sahpra-semaglutide-tirzepatide-products/
- Pearce IP. Sun Pharma’s Generic Semaglutide Approved. 15 July 2026. https://www.pearceip.law/2026/07/15/sun-pharmas-generic-semaglutide-approved-novo-nordisk-to-launch-low-cost-ozempic-in-south-africa/