Imported health products pose health risks—Here's what you need to know
- Replies 11
Australia's leading medicines watchdog, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has issued a stern warning to consumers about imported health products from China.
These products, which have not been tested to Australian standards, contain substances that pose serious health risks.
The TGA's warning highlights the importance of being vigilant about the origins and contents of health products, especially those purchased online.
These products, with labels such as Maximum Powerful, Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms, Ying Da Wang, and Li Da Daidaihua, contain undeclared substances that can have severe health implications.
The BAWEI Maximum Powerful, Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms and Ying Da Wang tablets all contain an undeclared substance called sildenafil.
Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, improve the ability to exercise in adults and treat children one year of age and older with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
This substance can dangerously lower blood pressure levels and can pose a ‘serious risk’ to health, especially when combined with nitrates found in some prescription drugs. Moreover, the supply of tablets with undisclosed sildenafil is illegal.
'Sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels,' the TGA warned.
'People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates.’
‘Sildenafil taken in combination with other medications can cause serious side effects.'
The TGA has also flagged the Li Da Daidaihua capsules for containing the undeclared substance sibutramine.
Sibutramine is a substance that has been used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, which has been discontinued in several countries due to its increased risks of cardiovascular events.
‘Consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only substance in Australia,’ the TGA said.
‘Sibutramine was withdrawn from world markets in 2010 due to increased risk of cardiac events and stroke.’
‘Stop using Li Da Daidaihua capsules and take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal,’ the TGA added.
TGA warned that these tablets have not been assessed for their quality, safety, or efficacy, and the place of manufacture has not been approved by the Australian government.
The TGA has advised consumers to stop using these tablets immediately and to take any remaining tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
The agency is also working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to prevent future shipments of these products from entering Australia.
‘We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border,’ the TGA stated.
‘We advise consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites.’
‘Products purchased over the internet may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients.’
How to Protect Yourself from Dangerous Health Products
To protect yourself from dangerous health products, it's important to only purchase from reputable sources. This includes pharmacies, health food stores, and trusted online retailers.
Before purchasing a product, do your research. Check if the product has been approved by the TGA or another reputable health authority.
Look for reviews and testimonials from other consumers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you're unsure about a product, consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide advice based on your individual health needs and circumstances.
Remember, your health is your most valuable asset. Don't risk it by taking shortcuts or falling for false promises.
Have you ever encountered a health product that seemed suspicious? Share your experiences in the comments below. Your story could help others avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
These products, which have not been tested to Australian standards, contain substances that pose serious health risks.
The TGA's warning highlights the importance of being vigilant about the origins and contents of health products, especially those purchased online.
These products, with labels such as Maximum Powerful, Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms, Ying Da Wang, and Li Da Daidaihua, contain undeclared substances that can have severe health implications.
The TGA warned consumers to stop buying these four Chinese tablets. Credit: news.com.au
The BAWEI Maximum Powerful, Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms and Ying Da Wang tablets all contain an undeclared substance called sildenafil.
Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, improve the ability to exercise in adults and treat children one year of age and older with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
This substance can dangerously lower blood pressure levels and can pose a ‘serious risk’ to health, especially when combined with nitrates found in some prescription drugs. Moreover, the supply of tablets with undisclosed sildenafil is illegal.
'Sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels,' the TGA warned.
'People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates.’
‘Sildenafil taken in combination with other medications can cause serious side effects.'
The TGA has also flagged the Li Da Daidaihua capsules for containing the undeclared substance sibutramine.
Sibutramine is a substance that has been used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, which has been discontinued in several countries due to its increased risks of cardiovascular events.
‘Consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only substance in Australia,’ the TGA said.
‘Sibutramine was withdrawn from world markets in 2010 due to increased risk of cardiac events and stroke.’
‘Stop using Li Da Daidaihua capsules and take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal,’ the TGA added.
TGA warned that these tablets have not been assessed for their quality, safety, or efficacy, and the place of manufacture has not been approved by the Australian government.
The TGA has advised consumers to stop using these tablets immediately and to take any remaining tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
The agency is also working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to prevent future shipments of these products from entering Australia.
‘We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border,’ the TGA stated.
‘We advise consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites.’
‘Products purchased over the internet may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients.’
How to Protect Yourself from Dangerous Health Products
To protect yourself from dangerous health products, it's important to only purchase from reputable sources. This includes pharmacies, health food stores, and trusted online retailers.
Before purchasing a product, do your research. Check if the product has been approved by the TGA or another reputable health authority.
Look for reviews and testimonials from other consumers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you're unsure about a product, consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide advice based on your individual health needs and circumstances.
Remember, your health is your most valuable asset. Don't risk it by taking shortcuts or falling for false promises.
.png){kind=icon}
