Medicines Board issues warning over 40 slimming drugs

THE IRISH Medicines Board has strongly cautioned against the use of almost 40 slimming-pill products amid fears they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The particular products contain sibutramine, an oral appetite suppressant which is chemically and structurally similar to amphetamines. The board said it had seen a 600 per cent increase in seizures of sibutramine-containing products between 2009 and last year.

Though approved for use in the treatment of obesity in the United States in 1997, sibutramine has been withdrawn from sale in the EU in early 2010, as well as in Australia and Canada, and was reclassified as a controlled substance in the US. This follows its association with increased cardiovascular problems and strokes.

The board said yesterday it was warning consumers not to purchase any of 38 listed slimming products which may be available illegally online. It advised consumers to dispose of any of the products and to contact their doctor immediately if feeling any ill-effects.

“The IMB has seen an incremental and progressive rise in its detentions of illegal sibutramine-containing products in recent times, in co-operation with Revenue Customs. Between 2009 and 2011 there has been a 600 per cent increase in the number of these types of products detained.”

John Lynch, the medicines board’s director of compliance, said among the products seized were numerous ones where the label claimed they contained only natural products.

“In addition, the packaging is often quite sophisticated and is intended to convince purchasers they are buying legal and safe products. The products are often presented as natural slimming aids but many do not refer to sibutramine in their packaging and are deliberately misleading consumers.”

Among the products the board says should be disposed of and avoided are Botanical Slimming 100 per cent Natural Soft Gel (capsules), also sold as Meizitang’; Lipro Diet Pills; Lida Daidaihua; Reduce Weight Fruta Planta capsules; ZenSlim; Slimforte Slimming Coffee and Slimforte Slimming Capsules; Svelte 30 Capsules, and, Celerite Slimming Tea.

A full list is available at imb.ie.