TGA removes cold remedy herb linked to 1,468 adverse reactions
The Therapeutic Goods Administration is removing Andrographis paniculata from its low-risk ingredients list. This follows 1,468 reports of severe allergic reactions.
The herb comes from traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. It is in dozens of over-the-counter cold and flu supplements sold in Australian pharmacies and health shops.
The TGA will remove it from its list of approved low-risk ingredients. Allergic reactions have included anaphylaxis, hives, nerve disorders and immune system problems.
Companies have until mid-October to voluntarily recall products or stop selling them. If they don't, the TGA will do it for them.
BioCeuticals makes ArmaForce and Clinical Immune Force with the herb. The company said it has stopped releasing stock.
It is working with the TGA to withdraw from the market.
- 1,468
- Adverse reaction reports
- 90
- Medicines affected
- mid-October
- Voluntary action deadline
Why it mattersAustralians taking these cold remedies need to know the herb can trigger serious allergic reactions. Some are life-threatening, like anaphylaxis.
AustraliaAnyone using Andrographis supplements should stop and check with their pharmacist; dozens of products will be pulled from shelves.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 d ago
