Zi Xiu Tang Pollen capsule

Zi Xiu Tang Pollen Capsule poses a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested Zi Xiu Tang Pollen Capsule and found that:

• it contains the undeclared prescription substance sibutramine - despite the product label claim that it is natural and contains no medicines.
• consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only substance (which was the active ingredient in Reductil). It was withdrawn in October 2010 after a study showed an increased risk of major cardiac events.
• it also contains the undeclared substance phenolphthalein which was previously used as an oral laxative, but is no longer available in Australia due to serious safety concerns associated with its long term use.
• it also contains diclofenac a non steroidal anti-inflammatory, an active ingredient in pharmacy only and prescription only medicines used in treatment of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
• it also contains ibuprofen a non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
• traces of glibenclamide an anti diabetic drug and indomethacin a non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

The supply of Zi Xiu Tang Pollen Capsule is illegal.

Zi Xiu Tang Pollen Capsule have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.

TGA investigations have shown that people in Australia may have bought the product online.

Information for consumers

• Stop taking Zi Xiu Tang Pollen Capsule and take any remaining capsules to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.
• The ACCC has provided additional information, Watch out for weight loss scams, about the risks of scams promoting weight loss.

Action the TGA is taking

The TGA is working with Australian Customs and Border Protection Services (Customs) to help stop future shipments of Zi Xiu Tang Pollen Capsule from entering Australia.

If these capsules are found at the border by Customs they will be seized and destroyed.

The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites. Products purchased over the Internet:

• may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
• may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by the TGA for supply in Australia.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA: