DAMMAM: Despite punishments and controls imposed by national security and health bodies against promoters of illegal dieting medications and other dangerous herbal substances, these products are still being marketed and sold through social media.

One member of the Saudi Pharmacology Society, Subhi Al-Hadda, told Al-Watan newspaper that a number of these products are being marketed through satellite channels, social media and newspapers.

Al-Hadda said that some medications have been taken off the market and their manufacturing has been stopped after their health hazards were uncovered. These include Sibutramine, which was withdrawn from the market in 2010 because of its dangers to the heart and brain. Fenfluramine and Dexfenfluramine were also withdrawn in 1997 due to their risks to the cardiovascular system. Additionally, the European Medicine Agency withdrew Rimonabant because of its dangerous psychological effects which may drive users to commit suicide.

The executive director of inspections and implementation of projects of the Food and Drug Agency (FDA), Mohammad Dahhas, said that those who promote dangerous products are being dealt with carefully through the authority’s website and the circular that deals with dangerous products. Media sources are also being used to warn against these products, while all such products currently on the market are being confiscated.

He added that promoters are referred to the Violations Committee if the violation is related to a pharmaceutical, herbal or other health product. If the medication is under international or local control and is addictive in nature, the promoters are referred to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution in coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Directorate. If the promoter uses a phone or an electronic website to market their products, the matter would be investigated and then referred to the Ministry of Interior to take necessary action.

Punishments include a warning, a fine or the temporary closure or revoking of the license of the establishment until it rectifies its position, according to the punishment stipulated by the Violations Committee. If the establishment isn’t licensed by the authority but has a license from another government body and the violation concerns a pharmaceutical product, the violators would be referred to relevant bodies in coordination with the FDA.

If the violator doesn’t have an establishment or a license from any government body, he would be referred to relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior.

Experts, including Subhi Al-Hadda, advise those who are engaged in fitness not to buy or use any product that hasn’t been approved by health authorities, represented in the FDA or the Ministry of Health. Instead, experts advise users to purchase their products from a licensed establishment and to stay away from medications that are promoted through the mail or social media.