Common cold drug banned

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Health Office (PHO), under instructions from the Ministry of Public Health, has announced a ban on the use of Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in medicines. Research undertaken at Yale University has indicated that PPA may assist the development of a hemorrhagic stroke. PPA is found in many medicines taken for relieving symptoms of the common cold and is also sometimes used as an appetite suppressant. According to the university, the risk of the drug actually inducing a stroke is small. However, PPA’s effects have been considered as irregular and unpredictable, and may have serious consequences. Drug manufacturers and importers have until June 17 to have PPA and sodium of PPA removed from all medicines. In the meantime, the Health Office advises that any person taking medication should read the label and ensure that it does not contain PPA. If it is not clear whether the medicine contains PPA or not, potential users should consult a pharmacist. Medical professionals and pharmacists have already been notified of the ban.