Public warned of dangerous Chinese medicines

Publication Date:30/11/2007

Introduction

Some Chinese herbal medicines that can cause serious kidney damage have been found on sale in the UK. The UK's drug safety watchdog is warning people against taking four types of Chinese herbal preparations, and to see a doctor if they have already taken them.

What do we know already?

Herbal products from Aristolochia plants have been banned in the UK since 1999. These plants contain aristolochic acids, which are known to cause serious health problems.

There have been more than 100 reports of kidney failure, and some reports of kidney cancer, in people who took herbal remedies containing aristolochic acids. Some people needed kidney transplants as a result of kidney damage from aristolochic acids.

What does the new report say?

Four types of herbal preparations used in traditional Chinese medicine have been found to contain aristolochic acids. People are being warned not to take these four products:

Xiao Qin Long Wan
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan
Bai Tou Weng Wan
Xie Gan Wan

These are names given to combinations of various herbs used in Chinese medicine.

Where does the report come from?

The warning comes from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the body that monitors the safety of medicines in the UK. The MHRA says it has found thousands of these products on sale in the North West of England and in London.

What should I do now?

If you have bought any of the Chinese herbal products listed above, don't take them. Make sure they are not kept where children can reach them. Tell the MHRA where you bought them, by emailing intelligence@mhra.gsi.gov.uk. You should also ask the MHRA's advice about how to dispose of them.

If you have already taken these products, stop taking them immediately and see your doctor. You may need tests to see if your kidneys are working properly. The MHRA says there is no 'safe' dose of aristolochic acids so see your doctor even if you've only taken a small amount.

From:

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Press release: Warning: Dangerous acids found in Chinese medicines. November 2007. More information available at http://www.mhra.gov.uk/

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This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.