South Australian health authorities say Kamini contains dangerous levels of lead and mercury - two highly toxic and harmful metals that can severely impact your health
Kamini, a complementary medicine, has caused a serious health scare in South Australia where one person was hospitalized due to severe lead poisoning after consuming it, according to local news reports.
Popularly known as Multani Kaminividravana Rasa or simply Kamini, the drug is marketed as a "powerful stimulant" to boost energy and vitality. However, its alleged hidden risks have raised serious alarms among the doctors.
Australian authorities sound danger over Kamini
According to the South Australian health authorities, Kamini contains dangerous levels of lead and mercury - two highly toxic and harmful metals that can severely impact your health, causing dangerous conditions like brain damage, kidney damage, reproductive issues, muscle and joint pain and even breathing problems.
Doctors say lead and mercury poisoning can even lead to high blood pressure and subsequent cardiovascular diseases, including a fatal heart attack. The tablets were reportedly bought from a Southeast Asian grocery store within the region but are believed to have been imported from overseas.
Authorities say additional testing is ongoing to see if Kamini tablets contain opioids like codeine and morphine - which heighten the risk of dependency and overdose.
Experts warn against taking Kamini
Doctors have warned against consuming Kamini, especially in Australia, where the medicine has till now not undergone the required safety or efficacy assessments.
"Not only does the presence of heavy metals in the tablets pose a serious risk to your health, the potential inclusion of opioids also creates a high risk of dependence, further escalating potential harm," Dr. Chris Lease, SA Health's executive director of health protection and regulation was quoted by 9News.
According to Dr. Lease, SA Health has advised emergency departments and general practitioners to look out for symptoms of lead poisoning in patients - especially those who have:
- Unexplained stomachache
- Severe headaches
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Trouble in concentrating
- High blood pressure
- Coughing
- Breathlessness and trouble breathing
- A metallic taste in your mouth
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bleeding or swollen gums
Doctors say that pregnant women who are exposed to mercury and lead, even in small amounts, can cause brain damage to developing fetuses. Most healthcare providers recommend expecting mothers to either consume a limited amount of fish or remove fish from their diet totally - especially swordfish, during their pregnancy.
Long-term organic mercury exposure is deadly. If you frequently come into contact with organic mercury, wear proper personal protective equipment, like a mask and gloves, to reduce your risk of health problems associated with the compound.
Past advisories were issued in Australia
In 2016, Australia issued an advisory that such tablets posed “a serious risk to your health and should not be taken”. “Stop taking Multani Kaminividrawan Ras tablets or Ayurvedant Kamini Vidravan Ras tablets and take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal - external site,” it said that time.
“The supply of Multani Kaminividrawan Ras tablets and Ayurvedant Kamini Vidravan Ras tablets in Australia is illegal,” it added.
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