The recent ban on a series of medicines by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) sounded like a warning in Brazil’s health sector. The incident occurred after a death was confirmed related to the use of tea in weight loss capsules, leading the municipality to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of the population.
Faced with the tragic event involving a nurse in São Paulo, victim of fulminant hepatitis, Anvisa chose to suspend the sale of products with components similar to those of the tea that caused the incident. The patient, whose name was not revealed, would have consumed the tea in capsules as part of a weight loss routine, without knowing the associated risks.
How to identify safe products
According to Anvisa, it is essential that consumers seek products from companies that have the agency’s seal of approval. The agency reinforces that this is the best way to guarantee the safety and quality of the medicines consumed, thus avoiding possible health complications caused by uncertified products.
According to Brazilian legislation, “by law, medicines can only be sold by pharmacies and drugstores, regardless of the category”, states the official note from Anvisa. Therefore, the sale of medicines in other establishments or through unregulated means is outside the established standards, putting consumer health at risk.
The creation of Anvisa on January 26, 1999, through Law No. 9,782, established a milestone in Brazilian public health policy. The authority, which is headquartered in the Federal District and operates in ports, airports, borders and customs areas throughout the national territory, is the body responsible for ensuring the safety, effectiveness and quality of products and services that may pose risks to public health.
For those who want to check the status of a specific medicine in 2024, Anvisa provides a search system on its official website where it is possible to check the release or restriction of medicines in the country. In cases of doubt, the recommendation is to always consult a trusted health professional and check the information directly on Anvisa’s official channels.
Tags: POPULAR medicines removed pharmacies Anvisa
