Experts have warned of the dangers posed by unlicensed medicines used to treat conditions such as obesity and erectile dysfunction, stating they could lower blood pressure and raise your chance of suffering a heart attack.
A number of research teams from Queen’s University Belfast, Kingston University and the Life Sciences Testing Company (LGC) concluded that many of these unlicensed drugs contain illegal ingredients that pose a threat to health – as well as making inaccurate claims regarding their benefits as medication.
The study, published in the Journal of the Association of Public Analysts,found that the most common substances identified appearing in products classified as food supplements was sibutramine. It was previously licensed as Reductil and withdrawn as a result of an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients.
Erectile dysfunction is commonly treated with products containing the undeclared ingredients tadalafil and sulfoaildenafil. There is a risk of serious health problems developing when they are taken with medicines containing nitrates, as they can drastically lower blood pressure.
A common dilemma patients face is choosing which form of medication could best relieve their symptoms. In many cases patients attempt more than one type of medication at once. Herbal remedies that contain undeclared ingredients pose a threat when taken with typical nitrate-containing medication often prescribed by a GP.
If a patient is unaware of these undeclared ingredients, they may not declare them upon visiting their doctor. This can make it very difficult to identify possible causes of side effects and may eventually lead to serious health problems developing.
The experts responsible for the study believe these ingredients are often added accidentally, while some are added deliberately for enhancement purposes. This conclusion was made after careful analysis of the European Union’s rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF).
Emeritus professor Duncan Burns of Queen’s University’s Institute for Global Food Security stated on the Guardian website customers are often deceived by supplements – mistaking them for other ingredients. He continued saying that many customers believe they are taking natural products as medication when in fact they are consuming hidden drugs.
Burns offered this advice to any potential consumers of herbal remedies. “Be cautious about supplements you buy and use reputable websites. Discuss any concerns with your GP and always tell them what you’re taking.”
Tim Aldiss writes for Pharmacy Requirements – shop for medication at your discretion.