Cold and flu supplements containing controversial herb to face recall

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced Andrographis paniculata, an herb commonly found in cold and flu supplements, will no longer be classified as low-risk. This decision comes after the TGA received over 1,400 reports of adverse reactions, including severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, to 90 medicines containing the herb.

Companies have until October to voluntarily recall their products or cancel their listing on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). If they fail to do so, the TGA will take further action. BioCeuticals, a company that sells products containing Andrographis, has ceased releasing stock and is working with the TGA. Professor Connie Katelaris, an immunology and allergy expert, has urged the TGA to take action, noting the thousands of adverse event reports.

She emphasized that the risk of Andrographis outweighs any potential benefits. Carmen Wells, a consumer who suffered from drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis after taking a supplement with Andrographis, welcomed the decision. Despite calls for the ban, the TGA maintains that other medicines, which are rigorously assessed for safety, quality, and effectiveness, will still be available.