UAE bans dangerous weight-reduction drug

The UAE Ministry of Health has banned the sale of a weight-reduction drug called Body Beautiful 1 which it said can cause serious damage to those suffering cardiac conditions.

The ministry called upon hospitals and pharmacies to stop selling the product, Emarat Al Youm reported.

A ministry circular issued on Sunday said the so-called herbal drug contains chemicals that are harmful to health.

Dr Amin Husain, Executive Director of Medical Practice and and Licencing said the health authorities in Hong Kong recently issued a warning against the use of the product because it contains two substances -- Phenolphthalein and Sibutramine -- not listed on the label accompanying the product.

The ministry said a chemical analysis done in Australia proved the presence of Sibutramine that could risk patients with cardiac conditions.

The Australian laboratory that did the analysis reported that Phenolphthalein is no longer used in medications due to its dangerous side effects.
 

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