Posted by Sandy Donchess on February 24, 2000 at 21:48:38:
FDA warns diabetics to avoid five Chinese herb products
WASHINGTON -- (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration warned diabetics today not to use five brands of Chinese herbal products, saying the herbs illegally contain prescription drugs that could cause dangerous drops in blood sugar.
The products claim to contain only natural Chinese herbs.
But California health officials, investigating after a diabetic herb users had several episodes of hypoglycemia, discovered the products also contain the prescription diabetes drugs glyburide and phenformin.
Consumers can receive a dangerously high amount of the drugs from the affected herbs, California's health department concluded -- and herb users particularly are at risk if they also take regular diabetes medicine.
``People with diabetes should avoid these products and consult their physician if they've been taking them,'' the FDA warned.
In particular, people who suffer fatigue, excessive hunger, profuse sweating or numbness after taking the herbs should call a doctor.
Affected products are:
-- Diabetes Hypoglucose Capsules, sold by Chinese Angel Health Products of Santa Monica, Calif.
-- Pearl Hypoglycemic Capsules, imported by Sino American Health Products Inc. of Torrance, Calif., but also sold by Chinese Angel.
-- Tongyitang Diabetes Angel Pearl Hypoglycemic Capsules and Tongyitang Diabetes Angel Hypoglycemic Capsules, sold by Sino American.
-- Zhen Qi Capsules, sold by Sino American.
The FDA has stopped imports of the products and is investigating how the drugs were added to the herbs and whether any other herbal products are contaminated.
Chinese Angel and Sino American have agreed to recall the affected products, which may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.