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Friday February 16 5:32 PM ET

Herbal Supplement Recalled; Contains Anxiety Drug

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) - A dietary supplement promoted to

treat a wide range of conditions, including high blood pressure and high

cholesterol, is the subject of a nationwide recall after an investigation

revealed that the product contains the prescription anxiety drug

chlordiazepoxide.

 

The US Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) (FDA) and the

California Department of Health Services are warning consumers not to

take Anso Comfort Capsules, which were sold by Arcadia, California-

based NuMeridian via telephone and mail order.

 

Chlordiazepoxide, which is prescribed under the brand name Librium, is

a sedative classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency as a controlled

substance. The drug can have dangerous interactions with other

medications, can intensify the effects of alcohol and other central

nervous system depressants, and may be habit forming. At least one

woman has been hospitalized due to possible interactions between the

herbal supplement and prescription medication. The woman is expected

to recover.

 

The presence of chlordiazepoxide was not revealed on Anso Comfort

Capsules' label. California State Health Director Dr. Diana Bonta said

that consumers should stop using Anso Comfort Capsules and seek

medical advice, particularly if they are taking other prescription

medications.

 

NuMeridian, formerly Top Line Project USA Group, is conducting a

voluntary recall of the product under FDA monitoring.

 

The company also appears to have violated government regulations by

promoting its capsules as a treatment for various illnesses. Dietary

supplements are permitted to claim only that they help maintain a

structure or function of the body.

 

Anso Comfort Capsules were manufactured in California using raw

materials imported from China.