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2/2/2012
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Unlicensed herbal products are dangerous, warns MHRA
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Unlicensed herbal products are continuing to put those who use them at risk of serious liver damage and organ failure, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has warned.
Concerns that herbal products containing butterbur (petasites hybridus) still perforate the UK market has prompted the medicines regulator to urge the UK herbal industry to remove such products from sale. Butterbur is commonly used to treat migraine and hayfever but contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage and organ failure.
“We advise anyone taking these products to stop doing so. If you have any concerns, speak to your GP or pharmacist. If you think you have suffered a side effect from these products, tell us through our reporting system called the Yellow Card Scheme,” said Richard Woodfield, head of herbal policy at the MHRA, who cautioned the public to ensure herbal medicines have a herbal registration or product licence.
“(That will allow) you (to) be confident the product has been assessed as meeting appropriate safety standards, and has the necessary patient information. Some unlicensed herbal medicines can pose a serious risk to your health.”
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