Alerts

Ginkgo biloba products with high quercetin and rutin levels have been identified. Quality standards are being reviewed.

Panvax H1N1 influenza vaccine has been approved for use in adults and children over 10 years old, with additional data needed for younger children.

Advise to exercise caution when using Australian Hydroxycut products

Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan pills have been recalled due to the presence of aristolochic acids, which can cause severe kidney damage and urinary tract cancer. Stop using them immediately and consult your doctor for advice.

A number of brands of hot/cold gel packs are being recalled following testing by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of contents for ethylene glycol, a toxic substance.

A number of brands of hot/cold gel packs are being recalled following testing by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of contents for ethylene glycol, a toxic substance. Testing was undertaken following the previous recall of Thermoskin® hot/cold gel packs to determine if the problem was more widespread.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advised on 2 September 2008 that the Thermoskin® brand of hot/cold gel packs was being recalled after testing revealed that they contained the toxic substance ethylene glycol, rather than the non-toxic ingredient propylene glycol.

Clexane (enoxaparin) is being recalled due to contamination concerns, and patients should check with their doctor or pharmacist to see if their supply is affected.

Consumers should stop using Clexane (enoxaparin) from the newly recalled batch due to impurity concerns. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your supply is affected and return any contaminated product. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor.

Certain batches of Clexane (enoxaparin) have been recalled because of an impurity. Stop using it, check with your healthcare provider, and return any affected product. If you have concerns, consult your doctor.

Continuing Australian reporting of bizarre and sometimes dangerous sleep related behaviours such as sleep walking and sleep driving in some users of zolpidem.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to alert prescribing doctors, dentists, pharmacists and consumers to the uncommon but important association of the use of bisphosphonate drugs with osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Phenylpropanolamine is no longer available in Australia due to safety concerns, including the risk of haemorrhagic stroke. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.