ITCHA SSS capsules

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is advising consumers that ITCHA SSS capsules, marketed for weight management, have been found to contain oxedrine, an undisclosed prescription-only (Schedule 4) medicine.

TGA Laboratory testing found that a product labelled ITCHA SSS contained the herb Citrus Aurantium (also known as bitter orange). Oxedrine is found in Citrus Aurantium. The capsules tested contained 60.5mg of oxedrine per capsule.

ITCHA SSS capsules have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy.

The product may pose a serious risk to your health. Taking oxedrine without medical supervision can increase the risk of serious side effects, including heart-related problems.

Oxedrine at dosage of greater than 30mg daily is prescription-only medicine and should only be used under medical supervision. Oxedrine can have potential adverse events that include:

• fainting
• elevated heart rate
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• heart attack.

Monitor for symptoms such as:

• palpitations
• dizziness or
• chest discomfort

Seek medical attention if these occur.

The TGA has issued a number of safety alerts about counterfeit medicines and products found to contain undisclosed substances. These risks are serious to your health.

We continue to urge consumers to exercise extreme caution when buying medicines and medical devices online including through social media and other digital platforms.

Products purchased over the internet:

• may be fake
• may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients, which could cause unexpected side effects or drug interactions
• may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia.

Information for consumers

• Stop using ITCHA SSS capsules and take any remaining product to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.
• If you suspect you have had a side effect (also known as an adverse event) to this or a similar medicine, report it to the TGA.

Action we are taking

We are working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to help stop future shipments of ITCHA SSS capsules from entering Australia.

We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border.

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: