Second warning on Pacific Island medicines

The Health Ministry has issued a second warning about unapproved medicines from Samoa and Tonga which are being sold in New Zealand.

Three of the medicines come from Multipharm in Samoa, the fourth from Tonga's Tukia Pharmaceuticals.

Ministry director-general Stephen McKernan said it was believed they had been imported by a number of individuals and were sold at various retail outlets.

The products are:

* Multipharm Fluid Magnesia, labelled as being suitable for babies up to three months for treating wind, settling tummy upsets and relieving colic pains;

* Multipharm Vai Lafa, for the treatment of ringworm;

* Multipharm Vai Tane, for the treatment of fungal infections;

* Vaikahi Mixture, from Tukia Pharmaceuticals, for uses including bloating and constipation.

"The safety, quality and efficacy of these medicines are unknown as they have not been assessed and approved for supply in New Zealand through the medicines approval process," Mr McKernan said.

The latest warning follows one issued by the ministry in December for Baby Magensia, Vai Lafa, and Vai Tane.

Medicines sold in New Zealand must be correctly labelled and meet required standards for quality, safety and effectiveness.

The Vaikahi Mixture does not even have instructions in English, which breaches New Zealand regulations.

"Consumers should immediately stop using the products and seek medical advice from their doctor if they, their babies or children have been unwell when using any of these products," Mr McKernan said.

Medsafe, the ministry's medicines safety arm, is investigating the supply of medicines originating from the Pacific Islands and sold by retailers in New Zealand.

- NZPA