Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA) has stopped the sale of an illegal Chinese contraceptive.
“We have noted with concern the sale of an illegal Chinese Pill that is on black market and being used as a contraceptive pill,” said Dr David Nahamya, the Secretary to the Authority.
According to Nahamya, the pill contains high doses of the hormones above the recommended dosage and has grave risks.
The risks include; prolonged bleeding, irregular menstrual periods, palpations, possibility of developing blood clots and heart diseases, abnormally thickened endometrium, predisposing factor for endometrial cancer and infertility.
“We advise the public NOT to consume this impure product.”
In a Friday statement, the authority said the unauthorised pill is being sold on the black market.
“The Chinese Pill tablet packaging, labelling and patient information leaflet are in the Chinese language except for the claimed ingredients –Levonorgestrel and Quinestrol.”
Nahamya said the adverse effects of the pill further manifest in babies that are born by mothers.
“The adverse effects include secondary sexual characteristics like premature puberty. NDA strongly warns all drug outlets or persons with immediate effects to stop stocking and sale of the Chinese pill.”
“NDA post-market surveillance and enforcement units are on full alert to undertake regulatory actions against this illegality. NDA advises the public to stop the consumption of this product whose safety and quality cannot be guaranteed,” he added.
