drugs in herbs

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James Ramholz wrote:

Anso Comfort Capsules Recalled

Reason: Product contains undeclared prescription drug Librium

(chlordiazepoxide), which poses danger if not taken under medical

supervision.

Distribution: Nationwide.

 

Sacramento, CA, Feb 15 (SafetyAlerts) -- Consumers should immediately

stop using the herbal product Anso Comfort capsules because it

contains the undeclared prescription drug chlordiazepoxide,

California State Health Director Diana Bont warned today.

Chlordiazepoxide, available by prescription either by its generic

name or the trade name Librium, is used for anxiety and as a sedative

and can be dangerous if not taken under medical supervision.

The Arcadia-based distributor, NuMeridian, formerly known as Top Line

Project USA Group Inc., is voluntarily recalling the product

nationwide. An investigation by the California Department of Health

Services' (DHS) Food and Drug Branch and Food and Drug Laboratory

found that the product contains chlordiazepoxide. The ingredients for

the product were imported from China and the capsules manufactured

in

California.

A San Francisco woman was hospitalized in January with life

threatening low blood sugar after consuming Anso Comfort capsules.

The woman has a history of diabetes and high blood pressure. The

hospitalization may have been due to a drug interaction of the

chlordiazepoxide and the prescribed medications for her other medical

conditions. She is expected to fully recover. Her physician referred

the case to DHS for investigation by the California Poison Control

System.

Bont advised consumers to stop using Anso Comfort capsules and seek

medical advice, especially if they are using prescribed medication.

Chlordiazepoxide, a controlled substance, adds to the effects of

alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. It also may be

habit forming.

Advertising for the product claims the capsules are useful for the

treatment of a wide variety of illnesses, including high blood

pressure and high cholesterol, in addition to claims of being a

natural herbal dietary supplement. The advertising also claims that

the product only contains Chinese herbal ingredients and that

consumers may reduce or stop their need for prescribed medicines. No

medical evidence supports any of these claims, Bont said.

"Consumers should not reduce or stop using their prescribed medicines

without talking to their health care providers," Bont emphasized. "It

is also crucial that consumers consult with their health care

providers when they are taking an herbal product or dietary

supplement."

Anso Comfort capsules were available by mail or telephone order from

the distributor. The capsules, available in 60-capsule bottles, are

clear with dark green powder inside. The label is yellow with green

English printing and a picture of a plant. The UPC number is 7-63148-

58798-6.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will assist in the follow-up

investigation to monitor the recall throughout the United States.

Consumers who have any Anso Comfort should return the product to

NuMeridian, located at 630 W. Duarte Road, No. 204, Arcadia CA 91007,

or dispose of it safely to prevent exposure to children and pets.

 

 

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VOICE:

(858) 946-0070

FAX:

(858) 946-0067