The Department of Health and Families has warned Territorians of the dangers of taking medications or tablets that have not been prescribed for them personally.
The warning comes as three people in the last 2 months have become ill and been admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital after taking a Chinese medication, Nangen Zengzhangsu, which is claimed to enhance sexual function.
The recent cases in the Northern Territory follow a number of reported cases interstate.
The Northern Territory's Chief Health Officer Dr Barbara Paterson said all three patients suffered serious side effects after taking the medication.
"The side effects included shaking, confusion and dizziness and extremely low blood sugar. If not treated promptly, low blood sugar may lead to coma and even permanent brain injury and death."
Dr Paterson said, "It is important that members of the public do not take such medicines. If you have taken this product and you develop these symptoms, you should seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms usually develop within hours or up to a day after taking the product."
The use of products such as Nangen Zengzhangsu (also known as Nangen) which supposedly enhances sexual function and sourced from Asia or the Internet, can be dangerous.
There may be risks associated with any drug products not listed with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
If you have Nangen Zengzhangsu you are advised not to use it. Please consult a health care professional if you have any health concerns regarding use of this product.
Unused products should be taken to a pharmacy for disposal via the Return Unwanted Medicines Scheme.
Media contact: Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144
Release date: 15 January 2009
