Fairy capsules

Fairy capsules pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a product labelled Fairy capsules and found that:

• the capsules contain the undeclared substance sibutramine.

Consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only substance in Australia. Sibutramine was withdrawn from world markets in 2010 due to increased risk of cardiac events and stroke.

The supply of Fairy capsules containing undisclosed sibutramine is illegal.

Fairy capsules 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 a number of people in Australia may have bought the product online.

Information for consumers

• Stop taking Fairy capsules 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.

Action the TGA is taking

The TGA is working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to help stop future shipments Fairy capsules from entering Australia.

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

The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites and has produced a short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online. 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.