Üsküdar University Advanced Toxicology Analysis Laboratory detected a "banned substance" in a slimming tea. In the examinations made upon a complaint, the active ingredient "sibutramine", which poses a serious risk for heart patients, was found in the product used for slimming. The slimming pill containing the substance in question caused the death of a young woman in 2010, after which the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy suspended the licenses of drugs with the active ingredient "sibutramine".
Upon the complaint of a patient receiving treatment at Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital and using slimming tea, the product used by the patient was analyzed by LC-MS/MS method at Üsküdar University Advanced Toxicology Analysis Laboratory. The active ingredient "sibutramine" was detected in the content of the product in question. In the analysis performed by taking a urine sample from the patient; two active metabolites formed in the body as a result of sibutramine metabolism were detected.
"Sibutramine" poses a risk for nervous system and cardiovascular patients
With the letter dated January 22, 2010 sent by the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy to the Turkish Pharmacists' Association, it was reported that the licenses of the drugs containing the active ingredient "sibutramine" were suspended "due to the risk posed to cardiovascular patients" and that the withdrawal process was applied from the relevant places (pharmacies, pharmaceutical warehouses, hospitals, etc.). It was reported on January 21, 2010 that the licenses of preparations containing the active substance sibutramine were suspended based on pharmacovigilance data as per the decision taken by the Ministry's Advisory Committee for the Licensing of Medicinal Products for Human Use.
It had taken lives in 2010
About 6 months before the Ministry's decision in 2010, 23-year-old Nilay Dinçer died in Kastamonu after taking a weight loss drug containing the active ingredient "sibutramine". Üsküdar University's investigation revealed that despite the Ministry's suspension of licenses in the intervening 9 years, some companies insisted on using "sibutramine" in their products, ignoring all risks.
"Failure to examine slimming teas is an important public health problem"
Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan made the following warnings about the samples available in the market and offered for use under the name of slimming tea:
"It is an important public health problem to determine whether the samples available in the market and offered for use under the name of 'slimming tea' contain sibutramine. This substance triggers mental illnesses such as psychosis and depression. It impairs judgment and attention. It also negatively affects academic life, especially in adolescence. If the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry deems it appropriate, we can perform these analyzes of the products available in the market at Üsküdar University Advanced Toxicology Analysis Laboratory, which has ISO 17025 accreditation certificate on an international scale. As a University, we are ready to do our part for such a sensitive issue that threatens public health."