Category Archives: Complementary medicine

Australian Pharmacies sell contaminated CAMs; TGA regulation ratshit!

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Recent Australian research has found nearly 50% of CAM products tested had contamination issues, with some showing the presence of animal ingredients, nuts, wheat, pharmaceuticals and toxins: See: https://ajp.com.au/news/australian-pharmacies-selling-contaminated-supplements/ https://www.ausdoc.com.au/news/doctors-warned-cam-contaminated-reindeer-and-frog-fragments https://www.theage.com.au/national/supplements-may-contain-traces-of-frog-but-will-they-make-you-croak-20190906-p52olk.html https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/wellbeing/2019/09/07/secret-ingredients-herbal-medicines/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31472365 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40290-018-0252-8 This is yet another example of … Continue reading →

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More complaints to TGA about illegal body building and weight loss supplements

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The TGA recently had a $10 million fine awarded by the Federal Court against Peptide Clincs Pty Ltd for breaches of advertising regulations, including advertising prescription-only medicines to the public. However, the company involved had gone into liquidation some months … Continue reading →

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Multiple breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code by companies advertising weight loss products

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) says: An advertisement for therapeutic goods containing any claim relating to weight management must not feature individuals in images or visual representations This version of the Code took effect on 1 … Continue reading →

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More problems with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Following a safety investigation by the TGA, Global Therapeutics, is recalling all batches and all pack sizes of its Fusion Hair Tonic and Oriental Botanicals Hairpro capsules, due to the risk of liver injury caused by an ingredient: Fallopia multiflora … Continue reading →

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University of Sydney pulls claims elderberries can fight flu

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.theage.com.au/national/university-of-sydney-pulls-claims-elderberries-can-fight-flu-20190515-p51nij.html The university initially stood by the claim, but on Monday, following repeated questions from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald it acknowledged there was no evidence to support that assertion. It now has withdrawn the press release and … Continue reading →

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New WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.who.int/mental_health/neurology/dementia/guidelines_risk_reduction/en/ Relevant to concerns about FSANZ Standard 2.6.5 which has allowed products such as Souvanaid® and Ceretain® to be self-assessed and promoted for the dietary management of Alzheimer’s dementia or related mild cognitive impairment. On supplements, WHO says: Vitamins B … Continue reading →

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A medical food for depression?

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Neurofolin® (containing 15 mg of L-methylfolate calcium) is a self-declared food for special medical purposes promoted for dietary support of depression management. Advertisments claim that L-methylfolate is, “an active form of folate known to be deficient in individuals with depressive … Continue reading →

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MJA Insight: Two new articles on Food-Medicine regulation

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Where food meets medicine: reform needed Junk food advertising to kids: the list of shame See also: FSANZ Sports Supplements Roundtable: Report on Discussions and Next Steps by

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Traditional Chinese Medicine in Australia: Yunnan Baiyao

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

An illustrative example of products available in Australia from local Chinese outlets. Illegally supplied (no ARTG number), a potentially dangerous ingredient (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), claims that breach numerous section of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 (including promoting for … Continue reading →

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TGA fails to act on illegal sports supplements

Posted on March 30, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

ABC story at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-30/canberra-fitness-community-not-fazed-by-sarms-health-risk/10930470 But, this problem was publicised last year and a complaint sent to the TGA And there are more complaints to the TGA that have not been dealt with: These are illegally supplied and promoted products by … Continue reading →

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