The Gauteng Health Department is warning residents about the rising use of illegal injectable substances for body enhancement and sexual performance.
The warning follows two cases in Ekurhuleni where patients suffered severe complications, including organ failure, after allegedly using unregulated products obtained through informal channels.
Health officials said the substances are often associated with so-called “BBL procedures” and other body and sexual enhancement practices.
The department said preliminary investigations indicate that some individuals are being provided with equipment to self-inject, despite the products not being approved for human use and their composition remaining unknown.
It also warns against misleading claims that pain, swelling, or a burning sensation after injection means the product is working, saying these symptoms are often indicators of serious underlying complications.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said investigations are afoot.
“The department is working in collaboration with the relevant regulatory bodies and law-enforcement officials to trace the source.”
Residents are urged to only use medication prescribed and administered by qualified healthcare professionals and to report the sale of unregistered medicines.
Mongezi Koko
www.ewn.co.za
