LISHOU Fuling Jiaonang Capsules

LISHOU Fuling Jiaonang capsules pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

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

• the capsules contain the undeclared substance sibutramine.
• consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only medicine (which was the active ingredient in Reductil). It was withdrawn in October 2010 after a study showed an increased risk of major cardiac events.

The supply of LISHOU Fuling Jiaonang capsules containing undisclosed sibutramine is illegal.

LISHOU Fuling Jiaonang 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 LISHOU Fuling Jiaonang 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 LISHOU Fuling Jiaonang 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.