FDA warns public anew on illegal ‘Bangkok pills’

PHOTO from fda.gov.ph

MANILA—The Food and Drug Administration warned the public Friday about the popular slimming product called “Bangkok Pills” which are being sold illegally in the country and contain dangerous substances.

In an advisory, the FDA said it has monitored an online buy-and-sell site and found that it was being used to advertise, promote and sell Bangkok Pills.

“Bangkok Pills are not registered with the FDA. Thus the FDA declares that such advertisement, promotion and sale are outright violation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 3720 (Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) as amended by Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009),” the FDA said.

The FDA Act of 2009 prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertisement of any health product which is not registered with the FDA.

Aside from being illegal, the FDA said Bangkok Pills have been found to contain substances that may pose dangers to consumers.

These substances include ephedrine, bisacodyl, furosemide, phentermine, and fenfluramine.

“In combination, these drug substances can cause hallucination, paranoia, insomnia, respiratory problems, hypertension, and development of heart valve abnormalities, kidney failure and even death,” the FDA said.

Bangkok Pills are said to suppress one’s appetite. They are also said to have a diuretic effect by flushing out excess water thru urination and sweating.

“All consumers are hereby advised to be more vigilant and critical about on-line and printed advertisements so as not to fall prey to the marketing schemes of unscrupulous companies,” the FDA said.

It also urged the public to report any establishment found selling Bangkok Pills through email at [email protected] or at telephone numbers 857-1900 local 1051/857-1939.