Multani Kaminividravana Rasa (Kamini) tablets

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently tested the contents of an imported product labelled as Multani Kaminividravana Rasa (popularly known as ‘Kamini’, or Kamini Vidrawan Ras). The testing has found ingredients in Kamini that pose a serious risk if ingested. The tablets contain ingredients that are listed as dangerous poisons (in Schedule 8 of the Poisons Standard) as well as ingredients that are prescription only in Australia (contained in Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard).

Kamini tablets pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken. This ayurvedic medicine is sold as an aphrodisiac and labelled as a 'powerful stimulant useful in weakness and lack of vigour & vitality'.

However, use of these substances can result in dependence, accidental overdoses, hospitalisation, or death. For more information on the health risks associated with opioid use visit Prescription opioids: information for consumers.

Alongside these Schedule 4 medicines, the Multani Kaminividravana Rasa tablets are also labelled to contain Singraph (Hingula) suddha, which is the common name of traditional ingredient cinnabar (mercury (II) sulphide).

Exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, having toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.

Many other brands of imported Kamini tablets have the same labelled ingredients.

Multani Kamini Vidrawan Ras tablets are not registered in Australia – they have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation. Their place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA and so potential unknown contaminants may also be contained within them.

A safety alert was issued in 2016 for similar Kamini products previously tested.

Information for consumers

If you, or someone you care for, has taken Multani Kaminividravana Rasa, or other Kamini tablets:

• stop taking them
• take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

If you have already taken some of these tablets, you should seek medical advice from your doctor or call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas internet sites as they:

• 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.

Importing and supplying Multani Kamini Vidrawan Ras or any brand of Kamini tablets in Australia is illegal.

Substances in Kamini products are prohibited imports under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. If you do not have an appropriate license or permit before importing them into Australia, you could be fined or taken to court.

Information for health professionals

Please be aware of the above issues and advise patients accordingly if they seek advice.

TGA action

The TGA works with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to stop shipments of Multani Kaminividravana Rasa tablets, as well as other brands of this product from entering Australia. If these tablets are found at the border by the ABF, they will be seized and destroyed.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices or you want to report a problem or side effect from using them.

You can also report a suspected illegal importation or supply of these products to the TGA using the report a breach form.