Category Archives: Complementary medicine

TGA Consultation: Proposed clarification that certain sports supplements are therapeutic goods

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

See: https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultation-proposed-clarification-certain-sports-supplements-are-therapeutic-goods . In Australia, food and medicines are regulated under separate legislated frameworks commensurate with their intended use and the potential risks they pose to public health and safety. Whether a product for oral consumption is a food or … Continue reading →

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Eligibility for Country of Origin Claims in the Complementary Medicines Sector – RIS Consultation

Posted on October 27, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

For background see: https://www.medreach.com.au/made-in-australia-complementary-medicine-taskforce-established-foi-report-outcome/ For the Regulatory Impact Statement Consultation Report. Eligibility for Country of Origin claims in the Complementary Medicines Sector. Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. See: https://consult.industry.gov.au/cool-taskforce/clarifying-eligibility-for-origin-claims/supporting_documents/EligibilityfororiginclaimsintheComplementaryMedicineSectorRIS.PDF The options suggested: I support option 3c. Pros: Consumers would … Continue reading →

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TGA Therapeutic Goods Advertising Compliance 2018-19 Annual Report: Comments

Posted on October 27, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

On 1 July 2018, the TGA became the sole advertising complaints handling body as a result of recommendations from the Medicine and Medical Devices Regulation Review (MMDR). The inaugural 2018-19 report on the TGA’s work as the sole advertising complaints … Continue reading →

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Therapeutic Goods Advertising Consultative Council meeting 17 October 2018

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Off to Canberra to present, “An evaluation of the first 12 months of the TGA’s new advertising system” on behalf of Choice. The research was performed by Monash University Research and “Whack-a-mole” students. by

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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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