Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has issued four circulars for various health-care authorities, warning against the use of unregistered food supplements that may cause life-threatening conditions to patients with allergies.

The ministry has received a warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against use of Rhino 8 Platinum 8000, which is used as a dietary supplement to strengthen sexual performance in men, confirmed Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Public Policy and Licensing Sector and Chairman of the Supreme Pharmacovigilance Committee. The results of the tests carried out at FDA’s laboratories have revealed that it contains an undeclared drug, Sildenafil, which may cause a sharp and dangerous drop in blood pressure. This can pose a significant risk to diabetic or heart patients or obese people, especially those who take drugs containing nitrate.

The ministry also received a warning that the manufacturer of LaBri’s Body Health Atomic, which sells bottles of 60 herbal capsules for curbing appetite to lose weight, has withdrawn the product from the market. The product was found to contain undeclared ingredients such as sibutramine, which may cause high blood pressure and/or increased heart rate in some patients.

Dr Al Amiri pointed out the ministry received a third warning to withdraw the medical devices with serial numbers H1041469, H1041473, H1041464 and H1036880. Due to a manufacturing defect, the tip of the vascular access device could separate from the sheath and lead to bleeding and severe injury to arteries. The dislodged tip’s entry into the bloodstream can also cause blood clotting.

Another circular said the FDA has ordered the withdrawal of the EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors manufactured by Meridian Medical Technologies and Pfizer and distributed by Mylan NV due to a manufacturing defect. The defect may cause the device not to be activated in emergencies, which may cause serious health problems, especially in patients with anaphylaxis.

Dr Al Amiri said that the circulars instruct concerned health authorities to take the necessary measures to withdraw the products from the market, if available, and prevent their import and marketing. He said the products are not registered under the Drug Administration in Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Members of the community have been advised not to use fake herbal preparations with claims of weight loss, loss of appetite and improved male sexual performance. They have also been urged not to circulate false information on social media as these unknown products can severely damage the health of users. Dr Al Amiri said some of the promoted networks lured account holders with thousands of followers on social media to promote their cheap counterfeit goods for easy money.

He also warned community members not to order medical or herbal products online from fake pharmacies, and emphasised the importance of those affected by such counterfeit products to immediately notify the Ministry of Health.

Side-effects

If experiencing side effects, fill out the ADR Side Effects Form available at http://www.cpd-pharma.ae

Consumers can also contact the Ministry on (02-3201448), fax (02-3201947), or email (pv@ moh.gov.ae), or toll-free number 80011111