• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Slimmers Told of Medicine Danger

Posted on: Saturday, 17 September 2005, 06:00 CDT

Slimmers were warned yesterday to avoid potentially dangerous and illegal traditional Chinese medicines which have been discovered for sale in the UK.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it had become aware of the slimming aids available on the market in this country.

It is believed that one traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) product, called Shubao Slimming Capsules, was responsible for a case of irreversible liver failure in the UK.

The MHRA said that the safety, quality and efficacy of these unlicensed medicines could not be assured due to the possible illegal adulteration or contamination with pharmaceutical drugs or toxic herbal ingredients.

A number of dangerous TCM weight loss remedies have been discovered on the UK market.

Roy Alder, director of executive support at the MHRA, said: "We recognise that many consumers value traditional Chinese medicines but they should be aware that we continue to find products manufactured to low quality standards that contain potentially harmful substances."

Source: The Journal - Newcastle-upon-Tyne

More News in this Category