Thai FDA recalls herbal product Ya Grek Ku over safety concerns

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered a recall of a popular herbal product found to contain dangerous substances used to treat erectile dysfunction. The FDA instructed the manufacturer to cease sales immediately and remove the product from the market.

Thai FDA Deputy Secretary-General Witit Srisurachai revealed that the administration received complaints from consumers about the herbal product, Ya Grek Ku. The FDA quickly investigated, collecting seven samples from three traditional medicine shops for analysis by the Department of Medical Sciences. The analysis found that the product was adulterated with Sildenafil and Tadalafil, drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.

The FDA mandated that the manufacturer and distributors halt the sale of the product and recall all seven contaminated items from the market. Sildenafil and Tadalafil are classified as controlled substances, requiring medical supervision due to their potential severe side effects.

These side effects include headaches, vision changes, low blood pressure, myocardial ischemia, increased intraocular pressure, and hearing loss. Particularly, using these substances in conjunction with certain prescription medications can lead to life-threatening reactions, reported KhaoSod.

“If there are any concerns about the safety of health products, please contact the FDA hotline at 1556 or reach out through Line @FDAThai and Facebook, FDAThai. You can also send mail to P.O. Box 1556, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11004, or visit the provincial public health offices.”

In related news, the Thai FDA warned against a counterfeit product being sold under the name Mor Boon Wisetsit. The product falsely claimed to treat various medical conditions is just spicy lab-flavoured rice crackers.

Pharmacist Weerachai Nalawachai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai FDA, explained that the agency received a complaint from consumers about the Mor Boon Wisetsit product. The label claimed it could treat conditions such as hemiplegia, paralysis, numbness, and stiff tendons.

It also carried a registration number G754/2567 and appeared to be endorsed by a pharmacy named Udomsuk Osot in Chiang Rai.