JEDDAH, 15 August 2005 — Pharmacists and physicians both dispute a recent report alleging illegal Ephedrine sales in Saudi Arabia, but they also say the approved weight-loss drugs need to be used properly if you want them to burn up calories instead of riyals. “Ephedrine has been banned in Saudi Arabia for the past two years,” a local pharmacist told Arab News.
Ephedrine, derived from the group of plants known as “ephedra,” was widely used for weight loss, as an energy booster, and to enhance athletic performance.
Alternative fat-burning tablets, which in many countries are sold only by prescription, are being sold over the counter at local pharmacies and have proven to be quite effective.
“Weight loss medications, such as Xenical and Fat Magnet, are being sold without prescriptions at almost all pharmacies, which should not be happening,” said a physician working at a private hospital in Jeddah.
The drug ephedrine is considered a danger to consumer health worldwide. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received more than 800 adverse reports about products containing ephedrine alkaloid since 1994. Hypertension, nerve damage, muscle injury, psychosis, stroke, memory loss, insomnia, nervousness, seizures, heart attacks and even deaths were reported.
The agency proposed prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing 8 mg or more of ephedrine alkaloids per dose.
Of six pharmacies visited, all assured Arab News they are selling no medications containing ephedrine. However, alternative medications, such as Xenical, Reductil, Chitocal, are available at local pharmacies, and can be easily obtained without prescriptions.
Although local pharmacists advise consumers to contact their doctor before taking medications, they make them easily accessible to the public without prescription.
Despite the availability of many drugs without prescription, doctors still recommend a consultation — and a prescription.
One physician told of a patient who came to his office, wanting to lose weight. He recommended Xenical for her. The woman said that she had already taken that medication, and it did not work for her.
After thorough questioning, he learned she was using the medication improperly. The doctor said that the medications available in the Saudi market do not endanger health, and he would recommend them to whoever needs them. But he also noted specific medications are designed for specific body types and suitable body mass indices, further underscoring the need for medical consultation before starting any weight-loss program.
