'Homemade' painkillers may cause liver, kidney failure

Doc: 'Homemade' painkillers may cause liver, kidney failure

Tue, Dec 14, 2010
The Star/Asia News Network

By P. Aruna

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should be wary of "homemade" traditional medicines not prescribed by licensed practitioners.

Malaysian Chinese Medical Association (MCMA) secretary-general Dr Lim Sin Hoe said there were many unlicensed companies claiming that their products were traditional herbal Chinese medicine.

He said some spiked traditional preparations with painkillers to make it effective and eventually consumption would lead to liver or kidney failure.
He said these companies may even use names of genuine Chinese herbal medication to mislead the public.

He advised the public to consult licensed practitioners or doctors before taking any form of traditional or modern medication.

It was reported yesterday that a Singaporean woman is fighting for her life after taking pain-relieving pills from Malaysia that may be linked to her liver failure (read more).
The pills - round, black balls about 5mm in diameter - came in plastic bags with Chinese words claiming to be "homemade from secret ingredients of herbs".

K. H. Leong, 51 was introduced to the product, which claimed to treat joint pain, by a friend after she complained of pain in both her wrists.
The Health Ministry confirmed yesterday that the pills consumed by Leong were not registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA).

According to the ministry, the victims's family was unable to provide information on where the product was distributed as it had been recommended by a friend who bought it in Malaysia.
The ministry said there had not been any previous reports of adverse side-effects to the product, but advised to stop the usage of the medicine immediately.
Those with information on the product are encouraged to contact the Pharmaceutical Services Division of the Health Ministry at 03-78413200/3342 or via email at melanie.hassim@moh.gov.my .