Category Archives: Complementary medicine

SBS Insight – Vitamins: Sorting science from scam

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The vitamins and dietary supplements industry has doubled over the last 10 years – we’re now spending an estimated $4.9bn each year on complementary medicines. But while some medical professionals say they work, others say the scientific evidence isn’t there, … Continue reading →

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60 Minutes: Health supplements could contain heavy metals, arsenic and even snow leopard

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Media: Doctors lift lid on weird animal product in Australian supplements Blackmores slams 60 Minutes TGA targeted by 60 Minutes by

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Forthcoming SBS Insight program on Vitamins and Supplements

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

I spent 3 hours with a very pro-supplement audience, being filmed by SBS last night (6/02/2019) . I was surprised by the number of ‘true believers’. I give talks on complementary medicines to U3A classes but I have never found … Continue reading →

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New Head for Health Watchdog

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Monash University Associate Professor Ken Harvey AM is the new President of Friends of Science in Medicine. He replaces Professor John Dwyer AO, the founding president. Friends of Science in Medicine (FSM), founded in 2011, has grown to become a … Continue reading →

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TGA – Chemist Warehouse Resolution – Distribution of samples of therapeutic goods at public events

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

I recently became aware of a TGA regulatory decision about this matter dated 26 September 2018. The TGA had found that Chemist Warehouse proposed to include therapeutic goods in seat cushions badged with their company name at the 2018 AFL … Continue reading →

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TGA’s first comprehensive consumer survey: Results on complementary medicines

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

During June and July 2018 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) conducted a survey of Australian adults. It employed a dual sampling methodology: a quota driven population-based sample (Panel) and an Opt-in sample sourced through known TGA contacts, networks and consumer … Continue reading →

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Experts warn that natural supplements can destroy your liver

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Jane Hansen, The Sunday Telegraph January 13, 2019 (behind a paywall, extracts follow) It’s a multibillion-dollar business, and one in three Australians regularly take their products, but health experts are concerned the increasing popularity of herbs and supplements is contributing … Continue reading →

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Outcome of TGA Complaint AC-BULV1O9Q/2018, Gumby Gumby capsules: Compliance achieved? Updated 16/01/2018

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

This is the first complaint outcome reported where the TGA said compliance had been achieved after “formal action”. The complaint was received on 03/08/2018 and closed on 17/09/2018. If you didn’t know the TGA’s complaint reference (AC-BULV1O9Q/2018) you have to … Continue reading →

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FOI application to view TGA “compliance notice sent with educational material” for complaint AC-KD45638R/2018 (Paingone)

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

This Freedom of Information (FOI) application reveals that the TGA summarised a detailed complaint alleging numerous specific breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2015 by sending one sentence to the advertisers, “The complaint alleges the advertisement may be misleading … Continue reading →

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Ear Candles: the outcome of TGA complaint AC-5TMWIYHC/2018

Posted on January 6, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Ear candling is a widely promoted alternative medical practice that involves inserting and lighting a hollow candle in the ear canal. It is claimed that candling creates a vacuum that removes wax and that it can also relieve ear ache, … Continue reading →

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