Grease Discharging Machine Capsules

Grease Discharging Machine Capsules pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested Grease Discharging Machine Capsules and found that:

• it contains the undeclared prescription substance sibutramine - despite the product label claim that it is natural and contains no medicines.
• consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only substance (which was the active ingredient in the medicine Reductil). It was withdrawn in October 2010 after a study showed an increased risk of major cardiac events.
• the levels of sibutramine found in these capsules is well above the previously allowable prescription levels.
• it also contains trace elements of the undeclared substance sildenafil which is a prescription-only substance (it is the active ingredient in the medicine Viagra).
• a trace amount of the toxic plant-derived compound, beta Asarone was also identified. This compound has toxic and carcinogenic properties.

The supply of Grease Discharging Machine Capsules is illegal.

Grease Discharging Machine 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 Grease Discharging Machine 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 Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (Customs) to help stop future shipments of Grease Discharging Machine Capsules from entering Australia.

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

The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites. 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.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA: