26 October 2010
KUWAIT: It has been more than a week since the Ministry of Health (MoH) banned the import and sale of popular slimming drug 'Reductil' in Kuwait. In compliance with the latest law, this drug will be pulled off the shelves as advised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug reportedly has a negative impact on heart health. According to Dr Mohammed from the Pharmacies Services Department of the Ministry of Health no cases of harm or complaints have been reported, "We issued the ban upon the resolution of the FDA, as we seek the best for the patients.
In fact, we did not receive any complaints. We prefer to be on the safe side," he told Kuwait Times. Reductil is still sold in many countries all over the world, "Not all countries follow the FDA's ban. Even many doctors here in Kuwait do not believe in the ban and do not follow it. They advise their patients to purchase it from other countries or order it through the internet. Some still have stocks of this drug and they sell it to patients illegally," added Dr Mohammed.
The Ministry's Inspection Department conducts routine checks at pharmacies, "In case of a violation, the pharmacist employed there will be fined and not the pharmacy. In case of violations are repeated, the Ministry may revoke or cancel the license of the pharmacy and order its closure. Many offenses have been taking place such as the sale of forbidden drugs and steroids in health clubs, and some drugs without doctor's prescription. The Ministry cannot always keep a vigil, and people must cooperate with us by reporting such cases," he added.
This resolution may not be definitive. Many drugs have been banned in the past, and the Ministry has allowed there in the local market again," concluded Dr Mohammed. Some of those who used Reductil complained of side effects. "About a year and a half ago, I used the Reductil to reduce my weight, and it was successful. I lost weight and attained the desired figure. So, I stopped using it later after suffering from dizziness, depression, amnesia. I even experienced hair loss. I obtained this drug from my friend who was receiving treatment at the Sabah Hospital and the doctor prescribed it to her," said Ibtisam, a 40-year-old woman.
The Reductil was sold for about KD24 to KD26, upon a doctor's prescription. At least 13 pharmacies that were contacted in different areas, denied Reductil's availability stating that it was banned. The importing company has withdrawn it from the market. This reporter succeeded in finding one pharmacy in the Ahmadi governorate that sells this drug. The pharmacist (an Arab national) agreed to sell Reductil without a medical prescription for KD26 along with other pills and vitamins to minimize the drug's side
effects. He even offered a slimming course for KD99.600.
KUWAIT: It has been more than a week since the Ministry of Health (MoH) banned the import and sale of popular slimming drug 'Reductil' in Kuwait. In compliance with the latest law, this drug will be pulled off the shelves as advised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug reportedly has a negative impact on heart health. According to Dr Mohammed from the Pharmacies Services Department of the Ministry of Health no cases of harm or complaints have been reported, "We issued the ban upon the resolution of the FDA, as we seek the best for the patients.
In fact, we did not receive any complaints. We prefer to be on the safe side," he told Kuwait Times. Reductil is still sold in many countries all over the world, "Not all countries follow the FDA's ban. Even many doctors here in Kuwait do not believe in the ban and do not follow it. They advise their patients to purchase it from other countries or order it through the internet. Some still have stocks of this drug and they sell it to patients illegally," added Dr Mohammed.
The Ministry's Inspection Department conducts routine checks at pharmacies, "In case of a violation, the pharmacist employed there will be fined and not the pharmacy. In case of violations are repeated, the Ministry may revoke or cancel the license of the pharmacy and order its closure. Many offenses have been taking place such as the sale of forbidden drugs and steroids in health clubs, and some drugs without doctor's prescription. The Ministry cannot always keep a vigil, and people must cooperate with us by reporting such cases," he added.
This resolution may not be definitive. Many drugs have been banned in the past, and the Ministry has allowed there in the local market again," concluded Dr Mohammed. Some of those who used Reductil complained of side effects. "About a year and a half ago, I used the Reductil to reduce my weight, and it was successful. I lost weight and attained the desired figure. So, I stopped using it later after suffering from dizziness, depression, amnesia. I even experienced hair loss. I obtained this drug from my friend who was receiving treatment at the Sabah Hospital and the doctor prescribed it to her," said Ibtisam, a 40-year-old woman.
The Reductil was sold for about KD24 to KD26, upon a doctor's prescription. At least 13 pharmacies that were contacted in different areas, denied Reductil's availability stating that it was banned. The importing company has withdrawn it from the market. This reporter succeeded in finding one pharmacy in the Ahmadi governorate that sells this drug. The pharmacist (an Arab national) agreed to sell Reductil without a medical prescription for KD26 along with other pills and vitamins to minimize the drug's side
effects. He even offered a slimming course for KD99.600.
Nawara Fattahova
© Kuwait Times 2010
