Press release: Steroids found in OSAS (Intensive body lotion with Aloe Vera)

Press release

Date:	12 Dec 2007
Time:	13:00
Subject:	Steroids found in OSAS
Contact:	Press Office 020 7084 3535/3564 or press.office@mhra.gsi.gov.uk Out-of-hours 07770 446 189

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has found steroids in an intensive body lotion with Aloe Vera called OSAS, which claimed to contain natural ingredients. The lotion which is an unlicensed product illegally claimed to treat eczema and psoriasis and has been found to be sold in a variety of Asian and African beauty shops in London and the West Midlands and over the Internet.

The lotion was brought to the attention of the MHRA by a paediatric dermatologist who became concerned when the parent of a baby he was treating for eczema started to use this product on the baby. The lotion tested positive for variable amounts of, Betamethasone dipropionate - a type of medicine called a corticosteroid. The product also contains Clotrimazole which is used in anti-fungal medications.

Strong corticosteroids (such as betamethasone) are only available on prescription and are used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.   Careful medical supervision of these treatments is important and inappropriate long-term use of corticosteroid medicines can cause skin thinning and other skin complications.

The Agency would strongly advise that anyone using this product, particularly on young children and babies, should stop immediately.  Discontinuation of the product may cause a rebound effect (worsening of the condition) and you should therefore consult your doctor or healthcare provider about suitable treatments. 

Anyone selling this product should stop doing so immediately, and remove it from their stock. If retailers are found to still selling this product then the MHRA will take appropriate action.

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Notes to Editor

• The MHRA continues to seize, or receive from other agencies, for analysis a significant quantity of suspect herbal products.  In recent months products being sold as herbal, natural and safe have tested positive for Aristolochia,  Sildenafil,  Tadalafil, Finasteride, Clotrimazole, Mebhydrolin, Nonivamide, Hydroquinone
• The MHRA Herbal Safety News pages highlight safety concerns associated with herbal medicines and are regularly updated to ensure that the most relevant information is made available to as wide an audience as possible.  There is also an e-mail alerting facility to which users can subscribe and receive an e-mail notification when the Herbals Section of the website is updated.  http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=96