China To Review Use Of Chinese Herbal Injections
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
China's Ministry of Health has held an emergency videoconference to announce the adverse reactions of four newborn babies who were injected with Yinzhihuang herbal medicine. The drug produced by Shanxi Taihang Pharmaceutical has caused one death and the authorities are calling for an immediate recall. From Yuxingcao and Ciwujia to Yinzihuang, controversy and drug safety incidents have been plaguing Chinese herbal injections since they emerged as a new profit stream in the pharmaceutical industry. Experts note that to ensure such products' safety and quality, China's State FDA issued basic technical requirements for traditional Chinese medicine and natural medicine injections last December but the regulations have not been fully implemented. To prevent further incidents, the government should expand more clinical trial coverage and establish an effective adverse drug reaction reporting system. (Click here for more - Chinese Language)