HEALTH officials have allayed fears raised by diabetic patients, reassuring them there was no need to “panic” about the withdrawal of a drug over cancer fears.
The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has given companies manufacturing Metformin tablets 72 hours to prove their safety.
Metformin, marketed under the trade name Glucophage among others, is the first-line medication for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, mainly in people who are overweight.
The GDN reported on Monday that the drug was pulled off shelves in Bahrain’s pharmacies over reports that it might contain unacceptable levels of carcinogenic impurities.
However, in a joint statement issued yesterday, the NHRA and the Health Ministry cautioned patients that stopping the medication suddenly and without medical advice could be dangerous.
“All patients are urged not to stop taking it unless advised by your doctor and is provided with an alternative,” said the statement.
“There is no need to panic, as we await the test results on the drug in the next two days.
“Patients must consult their doctors if they wish to change the drug and must not do it on their own.”
The withdrawal of the drug followed a Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) announcement that Metformin tablets contained high levels of a cancer-causing ingredient Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The joint statement also highlighted that a list of medicines that were free of NDMA or within limits for daily consumption was available with all specific details on the NHRA’s Instagram page.
“Companies producing these drugs have been given 72 hours to prove the safety of their products, details of which will also be announced as soon as the results are available,” it said.
“Currently the investigation is conducted only on Metformin tablets, regardless of it being alone or combined with other drugs.
“Meanwhile, patients who are using drugs other than what is listed are also urged to conduct their own investigations and lab tests for the safety of the medicines.”
It added that the SFDA has confirmed the safety of products with Metformin than those listed, adding that the medicine has been widely used for over 60 years with many benefits.
“The rest of the products (containing Metformin) not included in the list are not harmful, but are also under investigation and are being tested for its safety,” it said.
“The drug helps those with diabetes in regulating sugar level, weight control, and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and also helps in heart conditions and prevention of some cancers.
“Suddenly stopping the use of the drug can be dangerous to health, due to a rise in the level of sugar.”
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