The Ministry of Health warns about drugs and cosmetics containing suspected cancer

After information on 400 types of pharmaceuticals, paraben-containing cosmetics - preservatives suspected of causing cancer and male infertility - yesterday, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) checked the information and gave opinions on the issue. this.

Artwork:Geninv.net.

The Drug Administration of Vietnam has sent official letters requesting provincial health departments to inform medical examination and treatment establishments and local pharmaceutical business units of information on paraben- containing medicines and cosmetics; At the same time, the National Center for Medicines and Monitoring of adverse reactions should be collected and provided with information and data on clinical research related to parabens, sent to the Department for review and evaluation.

Pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers are also required to actively research and improve production processes, dosage forms to reduce paraben concentrations in products or to prioritize the use of physical preservation and non-chemical preservation methods. study (packaging improvement) to limit the use of chemical preservatives.

In the May 24 , 2011 edition , the French newspaper Le Monde reported about 400 paraben- containing medicines and cosmetics, many of which are familiar in Vietnam, such as Humex, Pectosan, Rhinathiol), anti-emetic medicine (Maalox, Gaviscon), antiemetic medicine (Motilium); antibiotics (Zinnat); medicines for pain and fever reduction (belonging to ibuprofene and paracetamol) .

The Drug Administration said parabens are antimicrobial and antifungal agents, used as preservatives to prevent infection and to limit the breakdown of active ingredients leading to reduced drug and cosmetic effectiveness.

In 2004, a British study found parabens in breast biopsy samples. However, this study has methodological shortcomings and this is also acknowledged by the authors.

The French Drug Administration actively convened a group of experts focused on paraben derivatives found in products with large daily doses, which are consumed heavily and especially used for children, encouraging them to quickly set up research to consider men's risk of fertility. Other European Union countries and European pharmaceutical organizations are awaiting the results of this research to make the next decision.

The US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) issued a paraben- related notice in 2007. FDA said that there was no evidence that paraben- containing cosmetics could harm consumers, while still continue to evaluate new data on health risks.

Currently, the Drug Administration of Vietnam is actively monitoring the issue, updating information from the pharmaceutical administration of countries to take appropriate measures to protect consumers' health and interests.