Safety warnings and messages for herbal medicines

Department of Health in Hong Kong finds Traditional Chinese Medicines to contain heavy metals and undeclared pharmaceuticals

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:04:00 UTC

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Anshen Bunao Pian (Chung Lien Kulin Brand) has been found by the Department of Health in Hong Kong to contain 55 times the level of mercury permitted in China. Acute mercury poisoning can damage the neurological system and kidneys. The product is manufactured in mainland China and imported by Fung Wah (HK) Company. It is used for treating restlessness and insomnia.

Paiyouji Plus - Fast Acting Slimming Tea found to contain potentially dangerous undeclared pharmaceuticals

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:30:00 UTC

Following a safety alert issued in October 2010 about slimming products containing Paiyouji the Agency has received a further complaint about a product called 'Paiyouji Plus - Fast Acting Slimming Tea'. This product has been tested by the Agency and, as in the case of other Paiyouji products, found to contain sibutramine. In addition this product also contained phenolphthalein.

Herbal slimming products found to contain potentially dangerous undeclared pharmaceuticals

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:59:00 UTC

We are advising consumers not to buy the potentially dangerous herbal slimming products specified in this warning, as laboratory tests found evidence of pharmaceutical ingredients not declared on the label that may pose serous health risks.

Advice to consumers not to use unlicensed herbal medicines used for erectile dysfunction

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:55:00 UTC

We are advising consumers not to use the various unlicensed herbal medicines used for erectile dysfunction specified in this alert due to concerns about possible side effects.

Consumers are advised not to take unlicensed Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) herbal remedies

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:44:00 UTC

The MHRA has recently become aware that unlicensed herbal products containing butterbur (Petasites hybridus) are being marketed in the UK and is warning consumers about the risks associated with the use of these products.

MHRA issues apology to Cambridge Commodities Ltd for incorrectly implicating them in Black Cohosh product withdrawal

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:41:00 UTC

MHRA issues apology to Cambridge Commodities Ltd for incorrectly implicating them in Black Cohosh product withdrawal.

FSC Black Cohosh product withdrawn from the market

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:58:00 UTC

In response to an urgent notice issued by the MHRA, Bee Health Ltd has agreed to stop marketing FSC Black Cohosh 1000 mg due to concerns about the high dosage of black cohosh in the product.

Health Sciences Authority in Singapore warns of four adulterated herbal products

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:31:00 UTC

Health Sciences Authority in Singapore has issued a press release warning the public of four adulterated health products which have been found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical medicines.

Department of Health in Hong Kong finds undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients in herbal remedy Cardiotium

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:56:00 UTC

The Department of Health in Hong Kong have recalled and issued a warning not to use the herbal product specified below the herbal remedy Cardiotium, which is marketed as treating coronary heart disease, as it would found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.

Unlicensed herbal product found to contain the antihistamine, chlorphenamine - update

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:55:00 UTC

Beline Capsules have been found to contain the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients, which is consistent with earlier findings by the Danish Medicines Agency.

Herbal slimming products found to contain potentially dangerous undeclared pharmaceuticals

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:54:00 UTC

The MHRA is advising consumers not to use the herbal slimming products specified in this warning. This is because laboratory tests found evidence of pharmaceutical ingredients not declared on the label that may pose serious health risks.

Buyer beware: Does information provided with herbal remedies enable safe use?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:53:00 UTC

Research published by the University of Leeds shows that many herbal remedies available over-the-counter in pharmacies and health food shops are lacking important information needed for safe use.

The MHRA issues warning over traditional Chinese medicines containing Lei Gong Teng (tripterygium wilfordii)

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:06:00 UTC

The MHRA has issued a warning over traditional Chinese medicines containing Lei Gong Teng (tripterygium wilfordii) due to concerns about possible serious side effects.

Advice to consumers not to use Africa Black Ant, Rock Hard Weekend, Pandora and The Best, marketed for erectile dysfunction

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:29:00 UTC

The MHRA is advising consumers not to use the herbal products specified in this warning due to concerns about possible side effects.

Swiss authorities issue warning after Goji More 10g sachets were found to contain an analogue of Prescription Only Medicine sildenafil

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:28:00 UTC

Swiss authorities issue warning after Goji More 10g sachets were found to contain an analogue of Prescription Only Medicine sildenafil.

Hong Kong authorities issue warning over Chaisentomg Baby's Kam Chik San Powder after finding it to contain excessive lead

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:13:00 UTC

The Hong Kong authorities have issued a warning over Chaisentomg Baby's Kam Chik San Powder.

Manufacturer recall issued after Best Sexual Enhancer 150mg capsules found to contain an analogue of Prescription Only Medicine sildenafil

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:41:00 UTC

A voluntary manufacturer recall has been issued after U.S. authorities found an analogue of Prescription Only Medicine sildenafil in Best Sexual Enhancer 150mg capsules.

Canadian authorities issue warning over unauthorised Chinese weight loss medicine Fat Burner No. 1

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:40:00 UTC

The Canadian authorities have issued a warning over unauthorised Chinese weight loss medicine Fat Burner No. 1

Manufacturer recall issued after Canadian authorities issue warning about Durazest for Men and Once More

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:19:00 UTC

Voluntary manufacturer recall issued after Canadian authorities issue warning about Durazest for Men and Once More.

Hong Kong authorities issue warning over [W.S] Gan Mao Ling as arsenic level is found to exceed the permitted limit

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:22:00 UTC

Hong Kong authorities issue warning over [W.S] Gan Mao Ling as arsenic level is found to exceed the permitted limit.

Hong Kong authorities issue warning over Youzhi Baoying Dan (Hua Tuo Brand)

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:18:00 UTC

The Hong Kong authorities have issued warning over Youzhi Baoying Dan (Hua Tuo Brand)

Unlicensed herbal product found to contain the antihistamine, chlorphenamine

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:11:00 UTC

The MHRA is advising consumers not to use Beline Capsules due to concerns about the presence of a medicinal ingredient with the potential to cause side effects. Anyone currently using this product should stop taking it and consult their healthcare professional immediately with the details contained in this notification.

Consumers are warned not to buy bogus products marketed as 'herbal' treatments for erectile dysfunction

Thu, 05 May 2011 09:42:00 UTC

Evidence from around the world suggests that such products are often adulterated with random quantities of pharmaceutical substances. Risks can include serious harm and even death.

Soraderm Skin Cream

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:24:00 UTC

The MHRA has received a number of reports from concerned parents regarding the safety of Soraderm skin cream after hearing about the 'miraculous' effects the cream has had in clearing up eczema in babies and children.

Hong Kong issues warning about capsules for the treatment of sexual dysfunction

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:07:00 UTC

We have received a warning from the Department of Health in Hong Kong about a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) claiming to treat male impotence.