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MHRA warn of Herbal Medicines containing heavy metals
It was announced this week by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that herbal remedies available in the UK may contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals.
It is suspected that these products may have entered the UK market after several herbal products in the Canadian marketplace have been found to contain heavy metals.
The MHRA suspects the products to have entered the UK may contain mercury, arsenic and lead. If consumed these metals have been reported to cause serious adverse effects, including:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney damage
- Convulsions
- Coma
These types of medicines are traditionally prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat various conditions.
The MHRA advises consumers to be alert for the potential side effects and discontinue use and to consult their pharmacist or doctor if they believe they may have taken any of these 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.
For the MHRA press release click here