JEDDAH, 30 August 2006 — The ministries of Health and Commerce are currently checking pharmacies and beauty shops in Jeddah against counterfeit or dangerous weight-reducing drugs.
The sweep comes after ten suspects were arrested selling potentially dangerous weight-reducing drugs and herbal medicines. The drugs advertised contain sibutramine, which is a prescription medication that can help obese persons lose weight through appetite suppression. An investigation found that the drugs did not in fact contain the compound.
The ministries have warned against using any such herbal treatments. Sibutramine should only be used by prescription, the ministries have added to their warning.
Sibutramine should not be used for more than three months, and should not be used at all by persons with liver, kidney or thyroid disorders.
The side effects of the drug include increased palpitation, heartbeat rate, increased blood pressure, dryness of mouth, uncommon perspiration, digestive disorders, constipation and dizziness.
Several doctors and cosmetic experts demand that the drug or its substitutes should be banned in view of the hazards and harmful side effects involved in its use, as indicated by its US and German manufacturers, Abbot Labs.
Sibutramine has caused several deaths in the US, Britain, Italy and South Africa as a result of using the drug. Deaths linked to the use of the drug have not exceeded one percent, and can be used if recommended by doctors. No deaths in the Kingdom have been reported from using this drug.
