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Safety Notice - Concerning Two Traditional Chinese Medicinal Products which contain High Levels of Mercury

Notice type: Advisory

Date: 17/11/2005

  

Product name or type:
Fufang Luhui Jiaonang capsules and Zhuifeng Tougu Wan pills

Reference:
5/2005

Active Substance:
Unknown

Product Classification:
Traditional Chinese Medicinal Products

Problem Or Issue:
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has recently learned that the following two Traditional Chinese Medicinal products have been found in the UK distribution chain and contain high levels of mercury, which can render such products harmful: 

Fufang Luhui Jiaonang capsules This is a capsule product supplied in blister packs contained within a cream and blue outer carton. This product has been found to contain approximately 13% Mercury. 

Zhuifeng Tougu Wan pills This is a product supplied in the form of ball bearing red pills, packaged in a white opaque plastic bottle with a screw top and a mustard yellow and gold label. This product has been found to contain approximately 3% Mercury. 

While Ireland has not been identified as an export market for any of these products, there is no conclusive evidence that the products in question are not on the market here. As the products were found in the UK marketplace, there is the possibility that these products may also be on the Irish market. 

As a precautionary measure, the IMB has today communicated with various trade organisations about the issue, so that their members, who may be wholesaling, selling or using these products, can be made aware of this information.

Background Information Or Related Documents:
Safety Notice - Concerning Two Traditional Chinese Medicinal Products which contain High Levels of Mercury Document

Actions To Be Taken:
The IMB requests anyone who is wholesaling, selling or using any of these products to quarantine any packs they have in their possession and to contact the IMB at the contact details shown below. 

Patients who received any of these products are advised to cease taking the product in question and to consult with their pharmacist or doctor. When speaking to their doctor or pharmacist, patients may find it helpful to take a copy of this IMB notification with them. Patients should continue to take any medication prescribed by their doctor.

Further Information:
The HPRA contact person for this issue is: 

Kevin O' Donnell,
Market Compliance Manager,
Health Products Regulatory Authority,
Kevin O’Malley House,
Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2,
Ireland 

Tel: +353-1-6764971 (office)
Tel: +353-87-9562818 (mobile)
Fax: +353-1-6764061
Email: kevin.odonnell@imb.ie

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