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CHINESE MEDICINE SLIMMING WARNING
Slimmers have been warned to avoid potentially dangerous and illegal traditional Chinese medicines which have been discovered for sale in the UK.
In a consumer warning issued this week the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned of the availability of a number of potentially dangerous and illegal Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) slimming aids on the UK market.
The warning follows the discovery of a number of dangerous TCM weight loss remedies on the UK and international markets, including one thought responsible for a UK case of irreversible liver failure suspected to be caused by a product called ‘Shubao – Slimming Capsules’.
The MHRA warns consumers to exercise caution when considering a TCM slimming aid. The MHRA said that it continues, “to find (TCM slimming) products manufactured to low quality standards that contain potentially harmful substances”.
The MHRA said that some TCM slimming aids have been found to contain sibutramine - a prescription-only medicine that should only be used under medical supervision as it may raise the blood pressure.
Other products have been found to contain an amphetamine-like stimulant called methlphenidate that may lead to high blood pressure and affect antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs. The agency also said that Aristolochia - a banned substance often found in TCMs and linked with kidney failure and cancer - had also recently been found in UK herbal products.
If you have been taking these remedies and feel you have suffered any adverse side effects or would like further information then please contact Stephen Hanbury of our Product Liability Team.