Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets

Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a product Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets and found that:

• the tablets contain the undeclared antibiotic substance chloramphenicol; and
• the tablets contain trace amounts of the substance sildenafil

Consumers are advised that chloramphenicol (for oral use) and sildenafil are both prescription-only substances in Australia.

The supply of Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets containing chloramphenicol and sildenafil is illegal.

Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.

TGA investigations have shown that a number of people in Australia may have bought the product online.

Information for consumers

• Stop taking Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets and take any remaining capsules to your local pharmacy for safe disposal - external site.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.

Action the TGA is taking

The TGA is working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to help stop future shipments of Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets from entering Australia.

If these tablets are found at the border by the ABF they will be seized and destroyed.

The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites. Products purchased over the Internet:

• may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
• may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by the TGA for supply in Australia.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA: