An alert has been issued by Gauteng Health about the increasing use of unregulated injectable substances marketed for body enhancement and sexual performance, after two serious medical cases in Ekurhuleni, reports IOL.
Two people were admitted to hospital with severe complications, including organ failure, after apparently using unverified injectable products obtained through informal channels.
The department said the substances were used for “body enhancement purposes, including practices commonly referred to as ‘BBL’ procedures, as well as for sexual performance enhancement”.
Health officials said preliminary investigations found the products were being distributed outside regulated healthcare settings and, in some cases, were being sold directly to users, along with syringes.
“These products are not approved for human use and their composition remains unknown, posing significant risks to public health and safety,” the department warned.
Authorities are collaborating with police and regulatory bodies to trace the origin and distribution networks behind the substances.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over underground cosmetic procedures and illicit enhancement products being promoted on social media and sold through informal networks, often without medical oversight or safety testing.
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