Shubao prosecution follows pharmacist investigation
A woman who sold a Chinese medicine (Shubao) that contained a toxic derivative of fenfluramine has been successfully prosecuted following a complaint from a pharmacist.
The pharmacist, from Queen Elizabeth Hospital liver unit, Birmingham,
explained to The Journal that a patient had been admitted to the unit
with liver problems.
“By taking a thorough drug history, and specifically asking about
non-prescription medicines, the patient’s consultant established
that she had been taking a herbal weight loss product and asked me to
check its content.” No
obviously hepatotoxic herbs were identified. But the pharmacist, who
has been advised by her trust to remain anonymous, was concerned that
the product might be adulterated so sent it to the Medicines and Healthcare
products Regulatory Agency for further analysis.
“This case highlights the need for careful drug history taking.
It is important that doctors and pharmacists know about all prescribed
and
non-prescribed medicines that a patient might be taking or have taken
within the past six to 12 months,” she said.
Earlier this month, the woman who sold the product was fined £4,000
plus £6,000 costs after pleading guilty to six offences under the
Medicines Act 1968. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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