Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

 MHRA Press Release,   5 Apr 2004

In March 2004 the Agency was made aware of a UK case of irreversible liver failure suspected to be caused by a product called 'Shubao - Slimming Capsules'. The patient required a liver transplant. This product was reportedly found in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outlets in the West Midlands. It is believed that product is promoted as only contain botanical ingredients but is suspected to illegally contain undeclared Nitrosofenfluramine, a drug closely related to the prescription only medicine (POM) fenfluramine. Nitrosofenfluramine is known to be toxic to the liver. The MHRA is currently investigating the matter.

Fenfluramine (Pondimin), is used as an appetite suppressant. It was banned globally on health grounds in 1997 due to concerns about the drugs effect on the heart. Its illegal and dangerous inclusion has, however, been identified in TCM weight loss remedies in the UK.

Reports suggest that various products, for weight loss may contain undeclared fenfluramine and nitrosofenfluramine and may be referred to as follows:

Shubao Slimming Capsules
Onshido
Xin Xue Kang Jiao Naing
SB Slimming Capsules
Qian Er
Yuzhitang Jian Fei Jiao Nang
Ma zin dol
Chaso
Xian Zi Su Jian Fei Jiao Nang
Shubaojiafeijiaolang
Keepfitlin
Slim 10
Quian ER
Qing Zi Su

Globally, the illegal adulteration of slimming products with nitrosofenfluramine and fenfluramine has been associated with a large number of reports of liver toxicity. In Japan 160 people are known to have been made ill, and four patients died following the use of several TCM slimming products thought to contain these banned drugs. Consumers should not take these diet pills and should notify the MHRA if they come across any of these products in their area.