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Drugs Found in Remedies

Posted on: Thursday, 3 March 2005, 12:00 CST

Three herbal medicines were recalled by the Ministry of Health yesterday, after tests revealed that they contained undeclared prescription medicines.

Herbs Health's Joint Plus capsules, S. E.N Plus capsules, and Multistress capsules illegally contained prescription medicines frusemide, piroxicam or betamethasone.

The Director-General of Health, Karen Poutasi, said the herbal products were not approved as medicines in New Zealand and posed a safety risk to consumers if taken without medical supervision.

The ministry was still investigating whether any charges would be laid under the Medicines Act.

Poutasi said anyone with Joint Plus or S. E.N Plus at home should stop taking them and seek medical advice.

Multistress capsules contained betamethasone, a potent steroid. Anyone taking them needed their doctor's advice, Poutasi said.

"It is important that people do not suddenly stop taking this Multistress, because it can be harmful to stop steroids abruptly," she said.

It was not known for sure how many people were taking the drugs. However, about 780 bottles of Herbs Health Joint Plus, 450 of S. E.N Plus and 500 of Multistress had been distributed in New Zealand. The distributors had been told to stop supplying them, and the tablets recalled from retail outlets.

Piroxicam can cause gastro-intestinal problems such as indigestion, abdominal pain and bleeding. Frusemide may cause dehydration or electrolyte disturbances. Betamethasone can reduce the body's ability to fight infection; long-term use can cause osteoporosis or weight gain.

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Source: Press, The; Christchurch, New Zealand

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