UAE- Misuse of alternative remedies on the rise
Date
9/17/2015 8:27:54 AM
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)The public's desire to lead a "healthier lifestyle" has led to an increase in the manufacture of unsafe lifestyle supplements.
Speaking at the fifth National Pharmacovigilance Conference in Dubai Dr Laila Jaber head of pharmacovigilance section at the Ministry of Health (MoH) said the manufacture of lifestyle aid supplements such as dietary pills has become big business in the UAE. "People are eager to fight conditions like diabetes and obesity and they are willing to try anything. This has led to the promotion of so many counterfeit and illegal substances and as a consequence so many herbal products are being recalled in the UAE." Anti-ageing products and erectile dysfunction remedies have also been noted as a big concern when it comes to alternative remedy misuse. In April this year the MoH warned the public about using testosterone products. Dr Jaber said these products are being used in an attempt to relieve symptoms in men who have low testosterone for no apparent reason other than age which is not advised by healthcare professionals. "Healthcare professionals should only prescribe testosterone therapy to men with low testosterone levels caused by certain medical conditions. But many people are resorting to the Internet to order illegal or unsafe products from uncertified sellers." As a result it is hard for health authorities and professionals to monitor the use of such products but increased pharmacovigilance awareness can help deter patients from obtaining such products online. Alarmingly Dr Jaber also highlighted the dangers associated with several slimming aids. Star Majestic Slimming Ultra ZX Sit and Slim II Nine Slim and Seven Slim are all marketed as "herbal slimming products". Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings on the products they are still being marketed online. Containing Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein which is carcinogenic the products are a huge risk to patients. "If a product is recalled illegal companies are still finding ways to make money on them ... Warnings on these types of products can only be alerted through community awareness" Dr Jaber said. Kelly Clarke
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