The Therapeutic Goods Administration has confirmed details of a comprehensive review of the safety of therapeutic products which contain both caffeine and oxedrine. The compounds are found in a range of health products currently available in Australia, variously marketed as energy supplements, appetite suppressants and weight loss products. According to a statement issued yesterday, "the TGA is aware that some of these products are used and marketed as recreational stimulants," with the probe launched after reports of adverse events after consumption of products containing the substances. One of the reports involves teenagers experiencing serious cardiovascular toxicity "after using such a product in combination with alcohol and additional caffeine from an energy drink." Health professionals are being advised to tell patients to moderate their caffeine intake, and avoid products containing both caffeine and oxedrine along with alcohol. Patients with heart conditions or high blood pressure may be at increased risk of serious adverse events, the TGA said.

Source: pharmacydaily.com.au, Wednesday 16 October 2013