UAE issues safety alert on medicines

Consumers, healthcare professionals cautioned about risk of microbial contamination, infection from use of four products

The Ministry of Health and Prevention is alerting consumers and healthcare professionals against the use of four pharmaceutical products for the treatment of neurological, respiratory and underactive thyroid disease due to possible microbial contamination and contagious infection.

A warning against homeopathic drug products Neuroveen, a natural relief of neuralgia (nerve pain); Respitrol for temporary relief of chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing; Thyroveev, a homeopathic remedy for underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism; and Compulsin, a natural relief of obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges, has been issued by Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing at the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Chairman for Supreme Pharmacovigilance Committee, to medical zones, public and private hospitals, doctors and pharmacists.

Hellolife, Inc. issued a voluntary worldwide recall of the four products due to possible microbial contamination with the knowledge of and in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The circular said these products are distributed worldwide via wholesale, retail and online sales.

The manufacturer has said that the administration or use of products with microbial contamination could result in infections that could be lifethreatening to certain individuals.