TGA issues warning after undeclared drug found in collagen tablets
Australia's medicine regulator has issued a warning over a brand of collagen tablets after laboratory tests found it may contain an undeclared medicine which can cause serious side effects.
Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets contain 199.3 milligrams per tablet of a medicine known as sildenafil, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said in a statement.
Sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine in Australia which can cause side effects when taken alone or in combination with other medicine.
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The TGA has issued a warning over Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets. Supplied
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There can be side effects if sildenafil interacts with a common prescription drug called nitrates, which can include dangerously low blood pressure.
Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates.
"The supply of Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal," the TGA said in a statement.
"Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets have not been assessed by us for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation."
The Natures Valley tablets are not sold at any major Australian pharmacy or retailer.
The logo of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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TGA chief medical officer Robyn Langham urged Australian consumers to exercise caution when buying medicine or medical devices online.
She said people should only ever buy from reputable sources.
"I urge consumers to exercise extreme caution when buying medicines and medical devices online including through social media and other digital platforms," Langham said.
"Australians currently using products, particularly prescription medicines obtained from overseas or online, should refer to the multiple safety alerts and advisories issued by the TGA and speak with their health professional about the right option for their circumstance to ensure their safety."
Consumers have been urged to stop using Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets and to take the remaining tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
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