The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7310 p140
31 July 2004

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News summary

Shubao liver damage risk

Pharmacists are reminded of the dangers associated with herbal remedies such as Shubao in the latest issue of Herbal Safety News, published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

The bulletin draws attention to a case of irreversible liver failure thought to have been caused by Shubao slimming capsules. The product is suspected to contain nitrosofenfluramine, a drug closely related to fenfluramine and which is toxic to the liver.

Other products suspected to contain fenfluramine and nitrosofenfluramine include SB slimming capsules, Ma zin dol, Shubao-jiafeijiaolang and Qian Er.

Another safety issue highlighted in the bulletin is the infection risk with Nu Bao, a traditional Chinese medicine that contains human placenta, deer antler and donkey skin.