“Health” bans a slimming product that causes angina

The Ministry of Health has announced a ban on the use of a slimming product because it contains two dangerous substances that can cause heart attacks and strokes. In a circular obtained by “Emarat Al Youm”, the Ministry said that its laboratory discovered the presence of two dangerous substances in “Starfix” capsules, one of which is internationally banned. The circular, addressed to the directors of medical regions in the country, directors of government and private hospitals, and directors of private and government pharmacies, called on “to stop circulating the product”, noting that “the product is not registered by the Ministry of Health”. In the details, a circular recently issued by the Ministry of Health, signed by the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Medical Practices and Licensing Affairs, Dr. Amin Al Amiri, stated that the “Starfix” product, used by those wishing to lose weight, poses a risk to the health of its users, explaining that “the Ministry’s drug quality laboratories conducted an analysis of the “Starfix” capsules product, and the analysis showed that it contains a chemical substance, (phenolphthalein), which is no longer used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its dangerous effects.” He added: “It was found that the product contains the substance “Sibutramine”, which is prohibited for use due to its danger and the fact that it causes heart attacks and angina pectoris. It can pose a risk to patients with heart disease or irregular heartbeats, and can also lead to strokes. He pointed out that the product packaging does not contain any phrases clarifying that it contains the substance “Sibutramine”, which is considered a pharmaceutical fraud. The product is being promoted in the country through websites as “the magic solution for fitness and slimness and for those who want a beautiful appearance.” Websites monitored by “Emirates Today” said that the product “can be delivered to the buyer’s home for only 280 dirhams.”

The ministry sent copies of its circular to seven health sectors in the country, alerting them to the danger of the product, including the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Health Authorities, the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, Dubai Healthcare City, and Dubai Municipality, saying, “The ministry recommends stopping the use of this product, noting that it is not registered with the Drug Registration and Control Department,” adding, “This warning is directed to all healthcare practitioners to follow up on their patients, and in the event of any side effects, the Drug Control Department at the ministry should be notified.” The ministry recently banned the “Super Slim” product used for weight loss, because it contains the same two substances, and said in a circular that “the ministry’s drug quality laboratories conducted an analysis of samples of (Super Slim) and discovered that it contains (phenolphthalein) and (sibutramine), which exposes users to heart attacks and angina, and poses a risk to those with heart disease.” The Ministry has suspended the use of the products “Slim Fort Slimming” and “Slim Fort Double Power” because they contain a substance (Sibutramine) that is not listed on the outer label, explaining that “this substance may cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate in some patients,” noting that “it may pose a great risk to patients with heart disease, and may lead to stroke.”