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Products found to contain undeclared medicines

 
Australia: Product recall: Slimming Factor (also known as Easy Trim, Que She and Chinese Herbal Diet Pills)- the products were found to contain undeclared medicines
 
The TGA advises that the distributor has initiated a recall of Slimming Factor pills (also known as Easy Trim, Que She and Chinese Herbal Diet Pills) as they pose a serious health risk. These products have been marketed as herbal weight-loss supplements. The products have been distributed via the Melanotan 2 Facebook page.
Testing by the Therapeutic Goods Administration has found that these products contain medicines not referenced on the product labels. TGA laboratory analyses have confirmed the presence of the potentially dangerous substances sibutramine, fenfluramine and phenolphthalein in addition to paracetamol, lignocaine and propranolol in this product.

Sibutramine was a prescription-only medicine until it was withdrawn in October 2010 because a major study revealed that it caused an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Fenfluramine was found to cause damage to the valves in the heart and pulmonary hypertension. Phenolphthalein was previously used as an oral laxative, but is no longer available due to the cancer risk associated with its long-term use.

Slimming Factor pills should not be taken as they may be harmful and can cause symptoms including headaches, dizziness and dry mouth. Slimming Factor pills have been illegally supplied in Australia, as they are not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and, as such, have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy, as required under Australian law. Also, the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.

Please refer to the following website in TGA for details: http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-slimming-factor-131202.htm

In Hong Kong, the above products are not registered pharmaceutical products.


Ends/ Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:30
 
 
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