News article
Medsafe has today published a privileged statement issued by the Director-General of Health under section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981.
This statement has been issued to warn consumers of the dangers of consuming a product known as Nhan Sam Tuyet Lien Truy Phong Hoan, which has been promoted as a herbal product.
The product has been tested and found to be adulterated. It contains the prescription medicines furosemide and dexamethasone, and the medicine chlorpheniramine
Consumers should not use the product and should return it to the supplier or dispose of it safely. We are strongly encouraging people to seek medical advice from their doctor if they have felt unwell when taking it
Information for health practitioners about the product is available in the Alert.
The product has been promoted using therapeutic claims that it can treat conditions such as lumbago, gout and arthritis.
There is no reliable information about how many people have taken the product.
This product is supplied through online marketing and supply, so it is not possible to be sure that all sources/importers of this product have been identified.
Consumers should seek medical advice if they feel unwell when taking the product.
Adverse reactions to this product should be reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring.
Consumers can also report any concerns to Medsafe.
This warning has been published as a privileged statement by the Director-General of Health under section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981.
Questions and answers
What are these medications usually used for?
Chlorpheniramine is used to relieve symptoms of hay fever, allergy and the common cold. Furosemide is used to treat high blood pressure and to reduce extra fluid in the body (oedema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease and kidney disease. Dexamethasone relieves inflammation and is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, allergic reactions, blood/hormone disorders, skin diseases, asthma, bowel disorders, cancer and immune system disorders.
Have these products been removed from sale?
This product is supplied through online marketing and supply, so it is not possible to be sure that all sources / importers of this product have been identified. It is likely that other distributors are supplying the product and it is also likely individuals are importing the product themselves via the internet.
The product appears to have originated from Asia.
If a consumer is using this product what should they do?
Consumers are being warned to immediately stop consuming this product and to seek medical advice from their doctor if they have felt unwell when taking it.
Adverse reactions to this product should be reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring.
Consumers can also report any concerns to Medsafe.
Has any action been taken anywhere else?
Medsafe is aware that at least one overseas regulator has produced an alert that this product is adulterated.
See the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration website.
General warning for consumers
Medsafe warns consumers that products, including products making therapeutic claims, being sold through websites, may not be legal in New Zealand. All products for which a therapeutic benefit is being claimed must first be 'approved' by the Minister of Health before they can be marketed, unless an exemption applies.
Consumers should also be alert to products normally thought of as foods and drink, or herbal remedies and dietary supplements, for which a therapeutic purpose is being claimed, that appear to cause side effects, or appear to be unusually effective or are available from unusual sources. In particular it is important for consumers to be aware that information.