Slimming pills warning

Monday February 27th, 2012

Many innocent-sounding slimming products sold on-line contain dangerous medicines, UK regulators have warned.

The warning follows a series of test conducted by authorities in Denmark and Austria, identifying products containing two banned drugs, phenolphthalein and sibutramine.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says that some herbal products are legal and licensed to be sold as slimming aids.

But it warned that people who used the banned substances would be placing their health at risk.

It named the following products as being dangerous: Expelling Grease Slimming Abdomen, V12 Fruit Slimming, 100% Natural Weight Loss Coffee, Leisure 18.,Slimming Orange Juice, Fashion Slimming Milk Shake, Langli, Ya Buk, Fruit and vegetables lose weight and Paiyouji Plus Tea.

It also warned of "herbal" products sold for men. The agency says that no herbal medicines are approved for this purpose.

Sibutramine was an obesity drug withdrawn in 2010 after being linked to heart disease and stroke. Phenolphthalein was banned amid fears it could cause cancer.

Richard Woodfield, of the agency, said: "Consumers should be aware of the risks with unlicensed medicines and especially those available on-line.

"Some licensed herbal medicines are available as aids to slimming; these will have product licences or traditional herbal registrations. Patients can identify authorised herbal products by the THR symbol or the product licence number."

Tags: Alternative Therapy | Diet & Food | Europe | Pharmaceuticals | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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