The Ministry of Health is withdrawing the dietary supplement sibutramine, a weight-loss drug banned in 2010.
Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), dependent on the Ministry of Healthdordered a marketing ban and all copies withdrawn from the marketbecause it contains sibutramineactive ingredient used for weight loss and banned in 2010, because its consumption is associated with serious cardiovascular side effects.
heart problems
sibutramine This is an anorexigenic active substance (appetite suppressant), which provides feeling of fullness and also leads to increased calorie expenditure. In addition, sibutramine produces increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause arrhythmias, coronary heart disease and serious strokes in some patients.. Other side effects that may occur when consuming it: dry mouth, headache, insomnia, constipationetc. In addition, it represents many interactions with other medications.
Not stated on the label
The withdrawal occurs after notification to the command of the Civil Guard of Ceuta together with the customs supervision service of Ceuta. According to analysis carried out by the official control laboratory AEMPS, The above product contains the active substance sibutramine in an amount sufficient to restore, correct or alter physiological function by exerting a pharmacological effect.which gives it the legal status of a medicine.
“This substance is not listed on its labeling, which erroneously identifies a number of ingredients as being of plant origin. providing false information about its safety, which could cause serious harm to the health of people who consume it,” they warn.