The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) warned the public against using several drugs due to their dangerous side effects.
The announcement was made following the recall of different drugs for failing safety standards. Some of the products subjected to recall are food supplements that contain salmonella bacteria, and heartburn and indigestion pills.
Assistant Under-Secretary for the Ministry’s Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri said the move was done to protect the health of the community who may be unaware of the side effects of using the drugs.
MoHAP is also in constant coordination with local health centers to ensure no recalled items are being used in these facilities.
Al Amiri revealed that some weight loss products have multiple side effects that can be dangerous to one’s health.
“The Ministry’s laboratory for Quality Control and Research of Medical and Health Products has found out that the Shedfat Maxx capsule, a weight loss product, produced by Shedfat LLC contains yohimbine. The chemical substance, which is banned worldwide, causes dangerous drop in blood pressure, psychological symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and rapid heartbeat,” Al Amiri said.
Al Amiri also warned the public on the use of certain contraceptive pills.
“Sanofi, has informed us about the update of the label of Depakine, an anti-epileptic medicine containing sodium valproate and valproic acid forms that can interact with estrogen-containing contraceptives,” he said.
“Depakine, which contains valproate, does not affect the effectiveness of estrogen-containing products, however estrogen containing products can accelerate the elimination of valproate form the body might lead to a decreased effect,” Amiri said.
“Therefore, health care professionals should monitor their patients if they start or stop using estrogen-containing products and monitor any mood change or seizure. They should also monitor the level of valproate in the blood of these patients,” he added.
Al Amiri reminded the public to consult the Ministry through 04-3201448, or fax at 02-3201947, or e-mail at pv@ moh.gov.ae, if any side effects from using the drugs have been observed.
