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Medsafe has warned the public to be careful when consuming Ayurvedic remedies after several cases of poisoning were reported.
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicine based on herbs and massage.
“In the past few months, there have been eight reports of lead poisoning in people taking Ayurvedic medicines in New Zealand,” Medsafe said.
“Some of these people are extremely unwell with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation,” Medsafe said. “We are conducting an investigation to identify the affected product and its source.”
New Zealand’s Ministry of Health said cases of lead poisoning were reported in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.
“Some of the patients had been hospitalized multiple times, and two of them were found to have very high blood lead levels, putting them at risk of serious illness and death,” the New Zealand Department of Health said. Stated.
“Thankfully, the patients recovered. However, all reported receiving Ayurvedic therapy before falling ill,” the New Zealand Department of Health said, adding that the patients suffered from severe abdominal pain, infertility, impotence and chronic pain. He added that he was undergoing Ayurvedic therapy to deal with such issues.
Medsafe warns consumers to only purchase Ayurvedic remedies if the ingredients are clearly labeled and come from a trusted source.
“If you feel unwell after taking an Ayurvedic medicine, please seek urgent advice from your doctor or pharmacist. You can also get help by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116,” Medsafe said. .
Medsafe said it had “received samples of some of the products identified in the lead poisoning incident.” “They were reportedly brought into this country by travelers who purchased them in India. Laboratory tests confirmed highly toxic levels of lead.”
Medsafe is working with other agencies to identify and remove these products from distribution.
“There are no approved Ayurvedic medicines in New Zealand,” Medsafe said.
The National Poisons Center can provide advice on 0800 764 766 if lead toxicity is known or suspected.
