Health department warns over illegal body enhancement injections
The Gauteng Department of Health has warned the public against using unregulated injectable substances for body enhancement and sexual performance after two Ekurhuleni patients suffered severe complications, including organ failure.
The Gauteng Department of Health has issued a warning against the use of unverified and unregulated injectable substances for body enhancement and sexual performance purposes.
According to a report by the South African Government News Agency, the warning follows two severe health cases recorded at a public health facility in Ekurhuleni.
The department said the individuals presented with life-threatening complications, including organ failure, after allegedly using substances obtained through informal and unregulated channels.
ALSO READ: Festive fun can turn dangerous: Teens, substances and the holiday risk
“These substances were reportedly administered for body enhancement purposes, including practices commonly referred to as ‘BBL’ procedures, as well as for sexual performance enhancement,” the department said.
Authorities indicated that the products were accessed outside regulated healthcare environments and, in some instances, were supplied directly to individuals along with equipment for self-administration.
The department stressed that the substances are not approved for human use and that their composition remains unknown, posing significant risks to public health and safety.
In response, the department said it is working with relevant regulatory and law enforcement authorities to trace the source and distribution of the substances and ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid any injectable product that has not been prescribed and administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
ALSO READ: Truck carrying toxic substance overturns on R25
The department also raised concerns over misleading claims linked to the products, including the belief that pain, swelling or a burning sensation after injection indicates effectiveness.
“These symptoms are, in fact, often indicative of serious underlying complications,” the statement warned.
The public has been encouraged to report the sale or distribution of unregistered medicines to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
