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MHRA warns dieters not to buy slimming pills online (4 January 2016)

Date: 04/01/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, MHRA warns dieters not to buy slimming pills online

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is New Year dieters to be aware of the dangers of buying diet pills online.

During 2015, MHRA enforcement officers seized more than 240,000 doses of pills sold for weight loss plans.

The MHRA says that a number of the products seized were marketed as “all herbal” or “natural”, but were found to contain the synthetic medicine sibutramine.

Sibutramine was withdrawn across Europe and the US in 2010, after being linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The drug is sometimes sold as Reductil and the European licence for the drug is currently suspended.

Sibutramine can also cause mental impairment and affect concentration or cognitive function – and should be taken with caution by drivers, those who operate machinery, or those who need to remain mentally alert.

Since 2005, MHRA officials have found hundreds of examples of medicines claiming to contain herbal ingredients, but which after analysis were found to contain pharmaceutical ingredients.

The MHRA says that, when considering whether to buy a product that describes itself as herbal or natural, consumers should look for products displaying the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) logo and a THR/PL number.

The logo and number means products have been assessed by the MHRA, so consumers can be confident that the quality is assured – and that the information for consumers about the product and how to use it safely is correct.

MHRA senior policy advisor, Lynda Scammell, said:

“The Internet has access to a vast number of websites offering a wide range of products marketed as slimming or diet pills.

“Many make attractive claims and offer quick-fix solutions – but be aware that natural does not mean safe. There is no miracle cure.

“The reality is that many of these pills are not authorised medicines and therefore their contents are unknown. Chances are they simply will not work and may contain dangerous unknown ingredients. The consequences can be devastating.

“Our advice is not to purchase slimming pills online without having consulted a doctor or pharmacist first.

“If you have concerns about your weight, consult your GP or another healthcare professional.

“Be safe and put your health first – it’s just not worth the risk,” she added.

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Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who have suffered injury as a result of faulty goods and therapies such as diet pills on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Faulty goods claims usually have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury, including claims involving:

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