Johannesburg: The Gauteng Health Department has issued a warning to the public regarding the use of 'unverified and unregulated injectable substances for body enhancement and sexual performance purposes'. This alert comes in the wake of two reported cases of severe health complications at a health facility in Ekurhuleni.

According to South African Government News Agency, the two individuals, who remain unnamed, presented with serious complications including organ failure after using substances obtained through informal channels. The department's statement indicated that these substances were administered for body enhancement, specifically procedures known as 'BBL', and sexual performance enhancement.

The substances in question were reportedly accessed outside regulated healthcare environments, with some individuals receiving them directly along with equipment for self-administration. The department emphasized that these products are not approved for human use, and their unknown composition poses significant threats to public health and safety.

In response, the department is collaborating with relevant regulatory and law enforcement authorities to trace the source and distribution of these substances. The aim is to ensure compliance and take enforcement actions to prevent further incidents. The public is strongly urged to avoid any injectable products not prescribed and administered by qualified healthcare professionals.

The department has also encouraged reporting the sale or distribution of unregistered medicines to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) through their contact details. The statement further warned against misleading claims associating pain, swelling, or burning post-injection with effectiveness, clarifying that such symptoms often indicate serious underlying complications.