Muses Coffee (Magic Thin) sachets

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a product labelled Muses Coffee (Magic Thin) sachets and found that:

• The sachets contain the undeclared substances sibutramine and phenolphthalein

Consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only medicine (which was the active ingredient in Reductil). Sibutramine was withdrawn from the Australian market in October 2010 after a study showed an increased risk of major cardiac events.

Phenolphthalein is also a prescription only medicine and was withdrawn from sale in the 1990's due to concerns over increased risk of cancer with long term use and is no longer available in Australia as an approved medicine.

The supply of Muses Coffee (Magic Thin) sachets containing undisclosed sibutramine and phenolphthalein is illegal.

Muses Coffee (Magic Thin) sachets 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.

Information for consumers

• Stop taking Muses Coffee (Magic Thin) sachets and take any remaining sachets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
• 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 Muses Coffee (Magic Thin) sachets from entering Australia.

If these sachets 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 and has produced a short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online. 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.