Be mindful of what traditional medicines contain and whether it’s registered for safe use by consumers.
HERBAL products have been used for generations within the community to improve health and general well-being.
These days, herbal products are not only sold at traditional medical halls, night markets and even by roadside and sidewalk peddlers, but are also widely advertised and sold via social media platforms.
Herbal products are categorised as traditional medicines and it is a requirement for these products to be registered with theHealth Ministry before being sold in the country.
Under the law, all products classified as Traditional Medicines must not contain or be adulterated with any “controlled medicines” commonly known as prescription medicines.
There are two key features that can be used to identify traditional medicines which are registered with the Health Ministry.
The first is a shiny safety sticker label known as the Meditag Hologram.
The second is a registration number. This number starts with the letters “MAL” followed by eight digits (the first four indicate the year when it was registered) and ends with the letter “T” (which is used for the traditional medicine category). An example of this is is MAL20195678T.
Consumers should ensure traditional products being purchased are registered with the Health Ministry as these have been evaluated for quality and safety.
The composition, quality and safety of unregistered products cannot be ascertained and thus, consumers are advised not to use such products.
CHECK FIRST
Consumers can check the validity of a traditional product’s registration number via the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency’s website at www.npra.gov.my.
The registration status of a product may be verified by keying in the MAL registration number or the product name in the “products search” tab on the website.
If the “No results found, please search again” message pops up, it means the product is not registered and therefore should be avoided.
Unfortunately, there are many unregistered traditional products that are being sold in the market. High demand by consumers has caused a large number of unethical entrepreneurs to produce and promote their unregistered products.
Often, illicit substances or controlled medicines are added into these unregistered traditional products to enhance their effects and provide fast results to consumers as this can lead to an increase in sales and profit.
Consumption of adulterated traditional products with controlled medicines can be harmful and may potentially lead to dangerous health complications including death.
Controlled medicines should only be taken when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional, do therapeutic outcomes or side effects of the medicines prescribed can be monitored closely.
Unregistered products are often marketed with misleading and exaggerated claims.
These advertisements usually target two types of consumers – women who are seeking beauty enhancements and patients with chronic illnesses.
Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are advised to consult a doctor or a pharmacist before taking any traditional products.
Suitability of a traditional product might vary from one person to another, depending on the condition of their health.
Some traditional products can burden the liver and kidneys, as these organs will have to metabolise and excrete the active ingredients present in these products.
Besides that, some traditional products may contain substances which can interact with prescribed medicines, resulting in the interference of the intended treatment or cause unwanted side effects.
If you have information on the sale of unregistered traditional products, you may report it directly to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, State Pharmacy Enforcement Branches or online through the Ministry’s Public Complaints Management System (or SisPAA KKM, its Malay acronym).
Swift action will be taken against retailers and suppliers who irresponsibly market and sell unregistered traditional products in Malaysia.
Consumers are advised to use only registered traditional medicines which have been certified by the Health Ministry rather than unregistered products of unknown quality and safety which may cause more harm than benefit.
Do not be duped into believing claims which are too good to be true. The choice is in your hands.
If there are any inquiries regarding traditional medicines, please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (toll-free at 1800-88-6722) during weekdays from 8am to 5pm.
*Article by Ainur Fadlina, pharmacist, Ministry Of Health Malaysia.