A “weight loss pill” imported from
Claimed to have effects like reducing edema, suppressing appetite
Increasing the feeling of fullness, breaking down excess fat, etc.
However, people taking it experience
hallucinations, mania, insomnia, nosebleeds, and other symptoms
What’s the catch?
“Imported weight loss pill” contains “toxic substances”
Recently, police officers from the Xiaoshan District Public Security Sub-bureau in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, found a woman named Li claiming to have been taking a long-term “imported weight loss pill,” which was later identified to contain ephedrine.
Investigations revealed that the “imported weight loss pill” was obtained by a criminal gang collaborating with overseas criminal elements to acquire foreign prescription drugs containing ephedrine, which were then sold through online stores, MLM, etc. The gang has been lawfully dealt with and transferred to the prosecution for review and prosecution.
After inspecting the seized “weight loss pills,”
The ephedrine content in the pills ranged from 6% to 10%
Ephedrine has a significant central stimulant effect
Excessive use can lead to the generation of substances like norepinephrine in the body
resulting in palpitations, nausea, dizziness,
loss of appetite, excitement, insomnia, and other adverse reactions
Long-term use can lead to liver and kidney damage
Pose a serious threat to health
What is ephedrine?
It is a natural remedy and also a precursor to methamphetamine
As a widely used single chemical drug in clinical practice, ephedrine has a good therapeutic effect on nasal itching, congestion caused by colds, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, and many allergic diseases. Therefore, ephedrine is present in many cold and cough medications. Examples are cold medicines like Aminophylline Tablets, Meiyu Pseudoephedrine Oral Solution; cough medicines like Suhuang Antitussive Capsules, Urgent Support Syrup, etc.
It is worth noting that, although ephedrine is effective, large doses can have serious side effects, such as headaches, palpitations, high blood pressure, and even death.
What should be noted when taking medications containing ephedrine?
Precautions
Firstly, when using complex preparations containing ephedrine, consult a physician or pharmacist and use them according to medical advice. Excessive or incorrect use may harm health. Especially for certain groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly, medications must be used according to medical advice.
Secondly, when using medications in combination, check the ingredients of the complex preparations to avoid duplicate medications. Some traditional Chinese medicine preparations for children also contain ephedrine components (such as Children’s Pulmonary Heat Cough and Asthma Oral Liquid, Hương Long Antitussive Granules, etc.). Parents may unintentionally cause excessive intake of this component by using complex cold medications containing ephedrine simultaneously. Therefore, be sure to read the drug instructions and avoid risks from repeated medication.
Lastly, ephedrine-containing medications should not be used for a long time, as they can lead to drug resistance. For short-term illnesses like colds or asthma, it is usually recommended to use them for 3-5 days and then stop.
Medications often have two sides
Ephedrine is both a good medicine
and the main raw material for synthesizing methamphetamine
It is classified as a Category I precursor for easily synthesized drugs in China
Currently, China has explicitly banned
the illegal addition of ephedrine in products with weight loss and health maintenance functions
Click on the image below to review
Regulations on products containing “ephedra”
Everyone has the desire to be beautiful, but do not purchase and use so-called “imported weight loss pills” or “magic pills” through informal channels in pursuit of “slimness.”
Taking weight loss pills containing ephedrine not only has no weight loss effect but also seriously harms health. Selling such “weight loss pills” is a criminal act and will be punished by law!
“Chinese Medicine Standard Management Special Regulations” will be implemented from January 1, 2025!
Be vigilant! 2 milligrams can be fatal, and several people have already been affected…
Highly infectious, no specific treatment! One hospital has diagnosed over 700 cases, with a recent sharp increase
Source: China Anti-Drug Report, “China Anti-Drug”, “Shanghai Jiading District Anting Hospital”, Shandong Drug Administration WeChat Official Account, etc.
Compiled by: Sichuan Drug Administration
Please indicate the above sources when reprinting
