MHRA warns against herbal remedy black cohosh
Clinical The MHRA has issued a reminder about the risks of herbal remedy black cohosh, which is suspected of causing liver failure in one patient who had to undergo a liver transplant.
The MHRA has issued a reminder about the risks of liver problems with the use of the herbal remedy black cohosh.
The warning came after the herbal remedy, usually used to treat menopausal symptoms, was suspected of causing liver failure in one patient who had to undergo a liver transplant. An investigation into the case was still ongoing, the MHRA said.
UK medicines watchdog has also received 53 reports of adverse reactions associated with the remedy, which involved abnormal liver function, jaundice and hepatitis.
The MHRA specifically warned against using unlicensed black cohosh products – which are sold legally but are not checked for quality or safety – and said it had recently become aware of some products that did not carry the liver risk warning.
"Unlicensed herbal products may have incomplete, inaccurate or no safety information and can mean you are gambling with your health, especially if you take these products without consulting a GP or qualified healthcare professional," MHRA head of herbal policy Richard Woodfield said.
Authorised products, which are subject to safety monitoring, are registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration scheme and have the THR registration number or logo on the packaging, the MHRA said.
