Alerts

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.

We are advising that some polio vaccines produced between 1957 and 1963 were contaminated with SV40, a simian virus.

SSRI antidepressants under review for use in young people due to safety issues.

We are advising that products containing Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) may cause liver problems. Use under healthcare supervision and consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Fact sheet to inform consumers about the safe use of paracetamol

This fact sheet has been prepared by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to inform health practitioners about the safe use of paracetamol.

BotanicLab herbal supplements contain undeclared prescription drugs and are not registered in Australia. Stop using them and consult your doctor for advice.

Do not use homoeopathic meningococcal 'vaccines' as they don't protect against the disease. Use approved vaccines and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Kava-containing medicines are under review due to reports of liver damage, and a voluntary recall has been initiated while we assess their safety.

We are advising that long-term use of oestrogen-only therapy may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.

The Expert Committee has reviewed the safety of HRT and found increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and breast cancer, outweighing the benefits for long-term disease prevention

Consumers are advised to be cautious with kava-containing medicines due to potential liver damage, and should seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms.

Health professionals are alerted to potential liver damage linked to kava-containing medicines, and are asked to review cases of unexplained hepatotoxicity.

Study on sunscreens with potential estrogen-like effects.

Cerivastatin has been withdrawn from sale due to severe muscle damage risks. Stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor for alternative treatments.

Practitioners should be aware that certain herbal products containing Aristolochia species pose serious health risks, including kidney damage and urinary tract cancer. Extreme caution is advised when using these products.

St John's Wort is an ingredient in complementary medicines which are available without prescription from pharmacies, health food shops, supermarkets, complementary medicine practitioners and other sources.