Alerts

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.

Paroxetine use in early pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital malformations, particularly heart defects, so women planning to become pregnant or in early pregnancy should consult their doctor.

Safety review of SSRI antidepressants for pregnant women due to possible infant heart defects.

Safety review of SSRI antidepressants for pregnant women due to potential heart defects in infants, especially with paroxetine.

Guidant Australia is issuing hazard alert letters to cardiologists on a fault with a limited number of their implantable pacemakers

Some Ayurvedic medicines have been found to contain toxic heavy metals. We're working on improving quality standards.