A Chinese herbal "doctor" has admitted selling dangerous pills which destroyed the health of a civil servant amid calls to regulate the trade.
Ying "Susan" Wu sold the tiny brown "Xie Gan Wan" tablets to Patricia Booth for more than five years from a shop in Chelmsford, Essex.
Mrs Booth, 58, began taking the pills three times a day to treat a skin condition but they ended up destroying her kidneys and giving her cancer, it is claimed.
In a statement, the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) said: "The tragic case at the Old Bailey concerning a patient who allegedly suffered cancer and kidney failure after taking pills from a Chinese herbal shop highlights the urgent need for the statutory regulation of herbal medicine in the UK. The suppliers were not members of the RCHM, which upholds the highest standards of herbal practice and has a robust quality control system in place."
A spokeswoman for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said a Department of Health review was taking place about the regulation of alternative practitioners.
Medical Specialist® are a registered UK pharmacy established in 1994 providing prescription & non prescription medication online since 2001.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Survey on counterfeit drugs market
According to a survey conducted in 14 European countries, 77 million people (ie one in five Europeans) admitted to buying prescription-only medicines from unlawful sources. A majority prefer to buy prescription drugs on the internet, “without realising that between 50% and 90% of medicines sold online are counterfeit and that some contain dangerous substances, such as boric acid”. The ‘Cracking counterfeit Europe’ survey revealed that the counterfeit drug market is estimated to be worth €10.5 billion. The Germans, Italians and Spaniards are the three biggest consumers of medicines bought illegally. Weight-loss drugs, flu remedies and erectile dysfunction pills are the products sold most often. The survey, carried out between 27 October and 8 November 2009, was initiated by Pfizer, the world’s number one pharmaceutical firm and owner of one of the medicine falsified most often, Viagra.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Exposure to passive smoking falls
Children's exposure to passive smoking has declined by nearly 60% in 10 years, a study revealed.
Levels of the tell-tale tobacco by-product cotinine in children's saliva fell by 59% between 1996 and 2006, researchers found.
The study, lead by Dr Anna Gilmore of the University of Bath, revealed a "marked decline" in exposure to second-hand smoke among children aged four to 15.
The team analysed eight surveys conducted between 1996 and 2006 including saliva samples taken from over 19,000 children aged between four and 15.
The samples were analyzed for a substance called cotinine, an indicator of tobacco smoke exposure.
The largest decline was between 2005 and 2006, and coincided with increased public debate and information campaigns in the run up to the 2007 anti-smoking legislation.
Second-hand smoke exposure in non-smoking children was highest when one or both parents smoke, when the children are looked after by carers that smoke, and when smoking is allowed in the home.
Dr Michelle Sims, writing in the paper published today in Addiction, explained: "The importance of carer and parental smoking and household exposure tells us that reducing exposure in the home is the key to reducing the health risks associated with second-hand smoke exposure in children."
Dr Anna Gilmore, who led the project, said: "This study shows that the factors which most strongly influence children's exposure are modifiable.
"Parents and carers can reduce their children's exposure to smoke by giving up smoking, or failing this, only smoking outside the house."
Levels of the tell-tale tobacco by-product cotinine in children's saliva fell by 59% between 1996 and 2006, researchers found.
The study, lead by Dr Anna Gilmore of the University of Bath, revealed a "marked decline" in exposure to second-hand smoke among children aged four to 15.
The team analysed eight surveys conducted between 1996 and 2006 including saliva samples taken from over 19,000 children aged between four and 15.
The samples were analyzed for a substance called cotinine, an indicator of tobacco smoke exposure.
The largest decline was between 2005 and 2006, and coincided with increased public debate and information campaigns in the run up to the 2007 anti-smoking legislation.
Second-hand smoke exposure in non-smoking children was highest when one or both parents smoke, when the children are looked after by carers that smoke, and when smoking is allowed in the home.
Dr Michelle Sims, writing in the paper published today in Addiction, explained: "The importance of carer and parental smoking and household exposure tells us that reducing exposure in the home is the key to reducing the health risks associated with second-hand smoke exposure in children."
Dr Anna Gilmore, who led the project, said: "This study shows that the factors which most strongly influence children's exposure are modifiable.
"Parents and carers can reduce their children's exposure to smoke by giving up smoking, or failing this, only smoking outside the house."
Deadly erectile dysfunction drugs for women
Authorities raided a local direct-selling firm’s outlets yesterday for selling to women a health supplement that contains a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Health Ministry enforcement officers seized RM1 million worth of health supplements marketed under the brand names “Extremen” and “Extrewomen”.
The officers conducted the nationwide raids simultaneously, including at the firm’s headquarters in Taman Shamelin, Cheras, here and a factory in Malacca.
Ministry pharmaceutical enforcement division director Hatta Ahmad said more than 200 officers were involved in the raids on more than 20 locations following a month of surveillance.
“Prior to the raids, samples of the product, which were sold in powder form, were sent to the Chemistry Department and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry for tests.
“Results revealed that Extrewomen contained tadalafil while Extremen contained hydroxythiohomosildenafil, an analogue of sildenafil or Viagra.” Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction but can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription, similar to Viagra. Those suffering diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease are not allowed to consume tadalafil as it can have massive repercussions.
The analogue hydroxyhomosildenafil is illegal in Malaysia as it causes health problems to those who consume it.
Hatta said: “I nvestigations revealed that users did not realise that there was tadalafil inside the product because the manufacturers claimed the product only contained natural herbs and collagen, a group of naturally-occurring proteins.
“But Extrewomen will make women feel amorous and randy. They will not realise that it is due to the tadalafil in the product.” He took the direct-selling company to task for selling the product as tadalafil was a controlled substance.
The side effects include headaches, stomach aches, blurred vision or, in extreme cases, sudden death.
The amount of tadalafil in the product seized is considered three times stronger than taking a Viagra pill.
Investigations revealed that the products had been distributed nationwide besides being exported to Indonesia, based on invoices found at the headquarters.
Health Ministry enforcement officers seized RM1 million worth of health supplements marketed under the brand names “Extremen” and “Extrewomen”.
The officers conducted the nationwide raids simultaneously, including at the firm’s headquarters in Taman Shamelin, Cheras, here and a factory in Malacca.
Ministry pharmaceutical enforcement division director Hatta Ahmad said more than 200 officers were involved in the raids on more than 20 locations following a month of surveillance.
“Prior to the raids, samples of the product, which were sold in powder form, were sent to the Chemistry Department and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry for tests.
“Results revealed that Extrewomen contained tadalafil while Extremen contained hydroxythiohomosildenafil, an analogue of sildenafil or Viagra.” Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction but can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription, similar to Viagra. Those suffering diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease are not allowed to consume tadalafil as it can have massive repercussions.
The analogue hydroxyhomosildenafil is illegal in Malaysia as it causes health problems to those who consume it.
Hatta said: “I nvestigations revealed that users did not realise that there was tadalafil inside the product because the manufacturers claimed the product only contained natural herbs and collagen, a group of naturally-occurring proteins.
“But Extrewomen will make women feel amorous and randy. They will not realise that it is due to the tadalafil in the product.” He took the direct-selling company to task for selling the product as tadalafil was a controlled substance.
The side effects include headaches, stomach aches, blurred vision or, in extreme cases, sudden death.
The amount of tadalafil in the product seized is considered three times stronger than taking a Viagra pill.
Investigations revealed that the products had been distributed nationwide besides being exported to Indonesia, based on invoices found at the headquarters.
Hollywood director too fat to fly
US director Kevin Smith (star of Dogma, Jay & slient Bob) was left embarrassed after he was asked to get of his flight from Oakland to Burbank because he was overweight.
Smith was shocked by the request, and the Clerks director claims he was told that his weight made him a safety risk.
The airline states that obese passengers must be able to lower both armrests or pay for two seats.
He said on his Twitter page: "I know I'm fat. But was [the flight captain] really justified in throwing me off a flight for which I was already seated?
"I'm way fat. But I'm not THERE just yet. But if I am, why wait till my bag is up and I'm seated WITH ARM RESTS DOWN in front of a packed plane with a bunch of folks who'd already IDed me as Silent Bob" (a character he has played in several of his films).
Smith was offered a £62 voucher as compensation, and managed to board a later flight with the airline.
Smith was shocked by the request, and the Clerks director claims he was told that his weight made him a safety risk.
The airline states that obese passengers must be able to lower both armrests or pay for two seats.
He said on his Twitter page: "I know I'm fat. But was [the flight captain] really justified in throwing me off a flight for which I was already seated?
"I'm way fat. But I'm not THERE just yet. But if I am, why wait till my bag is up and I'm seated WITH ARM RESTS DOWN in front of a packed plane with a bunch of folks who'd already IDed me as Silent Bob" (a character he has played in several of his films).
Smith was offered a £62 voucher as compensation, and managed to board a later flight with the airline.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
jails giving Viagra to hardened criminals
London, Jan 24 (ANI): Lags freed from Belmarsh jail, south London, on home leave are being handed Viagra to make sure they perform between the sheets when they visit their loved ones.
A source at the prison said convicts serving long sentences could suffer a loss of libido when faced with the prospect of nookie after a long stint behind bars.
"On your first home leave, meeting up with the missus or girlfriend can be a bit daunting. If you have Viagra your pocket, at least you know you're going to be able to deliver," News of the World quoted a lag as saying.
However, news that the 5-pound-a-go little blue pills which boost men's sex drive are being freely dished out to serious hard men will enrage victims' families.
One prison insider said: "It's pretty rich. The system in England, Scotland and Wales is making Viagra available so prisoners can perform between the sheets when they visit their loved ones.
"Inmates nearing the end of their sentence or those held at open prisons are eligible for home release. It must be costing a fortune," the insider added.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed: "We issue Viagra after the prisoner has met with the jail's GP. A clinical decision based on the prisoner's health would be made."
A source at the prison said convicts serving long sentences could suffer a loss of libido when faced with the prospect of nookie after a long stint behind bars.
"On your first home leave, meeting up with the missus or girlfriend can be a bit daunting. If you have Viagra your pocket, at least you know you're going to be able to deliver," News of the World quoted a lag as saying.
However, news that the 5-pound-a-go little blue pills which boost men's sex drive are being freely dished out to serious hard men will enrage victims' families.
One prison insider said: "It's pretty rich. The system in England, Scotland and Wales is making Viagra available so prisoners can perform between the sheets when they visit their loved ones.
"Inmates nearing the end of their sentence or those held at open prisons are eligible for home release. It must be costing a fortune," the insider added.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed: "We issue Viagra after the prisoner has met with the jail's GP. A clinical decision based on the prisoner's health would be made."
Warning over counterfeit weight-loss capsules
Consumers are being advised about the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated websites.
27th January 2010 — The discovery of supplies of counterfeit alli, a weight-loss medication, has prompted a consumer warning from The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The fake capsules were found in the United States, but MHRA says people in the UK could be able to buy them on the internet.
alli is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and is available over the counter in the UK with the genuine product containing the active ingredient orlistat or commanly known as Xenical.
The Food and Drug Administration in the US has been working with GSK. Laboratory testing of the suspected counterfeit product, 60mg alli capsules (120 capsule refill kit), have revealed it contained sibutramine instead of orlistat.
Europe-wide medication alert
Last week the European Medicines Agency recommended that the licence for sibutramine should be suspended across Europe because evidence suggested it caused a higher risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Mick Deats, Head of Enforcement at MHRA, has issued a warning about the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated internet pharmacies. “The trend of self-diagnosing and self-prescribing is potentially dangerous,” Mr Deats says in a statement on the Agency’s website.
He adds that “Buying weight loss medication from unregulated websites is a dangerous way to slim down. You don’t know what you’re taking and your condition is not being monitored by a healthcare professional. It’s just not worth taking that type of risk.”
Checking it’s the genuine article
The MHRA advises consumers to check that the website has a physical address that’s clearly displayed and the green cross logo of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
The Agency says counterfeit alli has some obvious differences from the genuine product:
* The fake product has no Lot code on the end flap of the outer packaging.
* The fake medication has a plain foil inner safety seal under the plastic cap, without any printed words – the authentic product seal is marked “sealed for your protection”.
* The counterfeit capsules contain white powder instead of small white pellets.
Furthermore, in the UK the genuine capsules are not available in packs of 120; they’re only available in smaller packs of 42 or 84.
Buy from registered pharmacies: Manufacturer
Emma Boran, a spokeswoman for GSK, sent us a statement saying: “GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare in the US has identified a small quantity of fake weight loss product, falsely packaged and labelled as alli sold on US online auction websites, such as eBay.com.
“GlaxoSmithKline fully supports the MHRA warning concerning purchasing medicines from unregistered websites. All retail pharmacies in Great Britain, including those providing internet services, must be registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
“Consumer should only buy alli online from safe and trusted registered pharmacy websites such as those of high street retailers. GSK does not condone illegal sales of alli from websites not authorised to make such sales and recommends that users check the authenticity of the online pharmacy they are looking to purchase alli from.”
The MHRA says anyone with concerns should ask their pharmacist or their GP for advice. Consumers can report any suspected counterfeit alli to the 24-hour MHRA Counterfeit Hotline on 020 7084 2701 or email counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.
27th January 2010 — The discovery of supplies of counterfeit alli, a weight-loss medication, has prompted a consumer warning from The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The fake capsules were found in the United States, but MHRA says people in the UK could be able to buy them on the internet.
alli is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and is available over the counter in the UK with the genuine product containing the active ingredient orlistat or commanly known as Xenical.
The Food and Drug Administration in the US has been working with GSK. Laboratory testing of the suspected counterfeit product, 60mg alli capsules (120 capsule refill kit), have revealed it contained sibutramine instead of orlistat.
Europe-wide medication alert
Last week the European Medicines Agency recommended that the licence for sibutramine should be suspended across Europe because evidence suggested it caused a higher risk of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Mick Deats, Head of Enforcement at MHRA, has issued a warning about the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated internet pharmacies. “The trend of self-diagnosing and self-prescribing is potentially dangerous,” Mr Deats says in a statement on the Agency’s website.
He adds that “Buying weight loss medication from unregulated websites is a dangerous way to slim down. You don’t know what you’re taking and your condition is not being monitored by a healthcare professional. It’s just not worth taking that type of risk.”
Checking it’s the genuine article
The MHRA advises consumers to check that the website has a physical address that’s clearly displayed and the green cross logo of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
The Agency says counterfeit alli has some obvious differences from the genuine product:
* The fake product has no Lot code on the end flap of the outer packaging.
* The fake medication has a plain foil inner safety seal under the plastic cap, without any printed words – the authentic product seal is marked “sealed for your protection”.
* The counterfeit capsules contain white powder instead of small white pellets.
Furthermore, in the UK the genuine capsules are not available in packs of 120; they’re only available in smaller packs of 42 or 84.
Buy from registered pharmacies: Manufacturer
Emma Boran, a spokeswoman for GSK, sent us a statement saying: “GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare in the US has identified a small quantity of fake weight loss product, falsely packaged and labelled as alli sold on US online auction websites, such as eBay.com.
“GlaxoSmithKline fully supports the MHRA warning concerning purchasing medicines from unregistered websites. All retail pharmacies in Great Britain, including those providing internet services, must be registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
“Consumer should only buy alli online from safe and trusted registered pharmacy websites such as those of high street retailers. GSK does not condone illegal sales of alli from websites not authorised to make such sales and recommends that users check the authenticity of the online pharmacy they are looking to purchase alli from.”
The MHRA says anyone with concerns should ask their pharmacist or their GP for advice. Consumers can report any suspected counterfeit alli to the 24-hour MHRA Counterfeit Hotline on 020 7084 2701 or email counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.
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