Other safety alerts
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| The United Kingdom: Freshers warned to be smart and avoid Modafinil |
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Freshers and university students are being warned of the possible dangers to their health from taking powerful prescription medicines to get higher marks as a new university year begins.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) research showed 14% of those sampled were likely to buy so-called ‘smart drugs’ within the next year. The misuse of prescription only medicines such as Modafinil and Ritalin remains prevalent despite repeated warnings against self-medication. Possible side effects of using ‘cognitive enhancers’ include risk of dependence, cardiovascular problems and psychosis.
MHRA has recently launched the FakeMeds campaign aimed at young adults and highlighting the pitfalls of buying medicines online. So far this year, MHRA has shut down nearly 5,000 websites selling fake or unlicensed medicines.
MHRA advised that modafinil is licensed for specific medical conditions – not for use as a ‘boost’ during exams. Freshers and university students should not put their health at risk by self-medication as it could have serious side effects.
Please refer to the following website in MHRA for details:
http://www.gov.uk/government/news/freshers-warned-to-be-smart-and-avoid-modafinil
In Hong Kong, there is no registered pharmaceutical product containing modafinil. There are 11 registered pharmaceutical products containing methylphenidate hydrochloride, including three Ritalin branded products, and are prescription only medicines. Members of the public are advised not to purchase pharmaceutical product from sources that are doubtful, including from Internet sites with unknown origin or seller with unknown address, as the product’s safety, quality and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
Ends/ Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 13:00
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