The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is the Australian government regulatory agency for medicines, legal drugs and complementary health products, has issued a public safety advisory to notify consumers (or potential consumers) of  serious risks that a product known as Lipro Diet Pills may pose to health. The TGA points out that the commercial supply of Lipro Diet Pills in Australia is illegal. However a number of people in Australia appear to have bought the product, seemingly through... ...Read more »

Australia’s regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is warning consumers of concerns about some ingredients in a dietary supplement available on the internet. The TGA claims that some such ingredients have previously been banned from being sold in Australia due to safety concerns. In a statement released today, the TGA has named ‘Reduce Weight Fruta Planta’ capsules as the subject of the warning. The TGA claims its analysis of the product has “confirmed... ...Read more »

Australia’s regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), today (4 November 2011) warned consumers over the batch of Savacol mouthwash that may contain harmful bacteria. All current batches of Savacol’s Antiseptic Mouth & Throat Rinse alcohol free mouthwash have been recalled. The contaminating bacteria are Burkholderia cepacia and B. stabilis. In a statement released today, the TGA advised consumers to stop using the product as a precaution.... ...Read more »

Australia’s regulatory agency for medical drugs, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today warned health professionals and consumers against topiramate, an anti-epilepsy drug, being used for weight loss programs. In a statement released today, the TGA said it had received a report of a patient who was prescribed topiramate to assist with weight loss. Soon after consuming the product topiramate, the patient was diagnosed with acute closed angle glaucoma. Glaucoma is a serious eye disorder... ...Read more »

The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has found that the regulation of alternative medicines in Australia is being administered badly. An audit undertaken by the ANAO revealed that false safety and efficacy claims on alternative medicine products are being overlooked by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is the federal regulator for such products. In a shock to consumers of vitamins, supplements and other complementary healthcare products, the ANAO has confirmed that almost 90%... ...Read more »

A decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – which is responsible for the monitoring and law enforcement of all ‘therapeutic goods’ in Australia – could have major ramifications for some players in the food sector. The TGA released a consultation paper last week that proposed to define all goods in tablet, capsule and pill form as ‘therapeutic goods’. As a result, manufacturers of such products would need to comply with TGA regulations and have their... ...Read more »