Warning over online diet pill

Australians are being warned against buying a potentially dangerous diet pill linked to an increased risk of heart attacks.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday issued a warning over the use of the herbal slimming pill, Ya Buk, over concerns it posed a serious risk to health.

The product contains the prescription-only substance sibutramine, which was withdrawn in 2010 after a study found it raised the risk of major cardiac events.

While the supply of Ya Buk capsules is illegal, the TGA says it understands some Australians may have bought the product online.

It is working with Customs to stop shipments from entering Australia.