Brief summary of the expected side effects/toxicity of the contaminants or problem ingredients in these products
Aristolochic acids: associated with serious adverse reactions including severe kidney damage and urinary tract cancer.
Betamethasone: is a steroidal prescription drug used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergic reactions. It should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Side-effects associated with betamethasone include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcer, blood disorders, skin, muscle and bone damage, and nervous system disorders.
Body building productslabelled to contain steroids or steroid alternatives: adverse reactions include serious liver injury, stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary embolism (blockage of an artery in the lung). Acute liver injury is known to be a possible harmful effect of using anabolic steroid-containing products. In addition, anabolic steroids may cause other serious long-term adverse health consequences in men, women, and children. These include shrinkage of the testes and male infertility, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in males, short stature in children, adverse effects on blood lipid levels, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Chlorpheniramine: an over-the-counter antihistamine drug used to treat allergy symptoms. Side-effects associated with chlorpheniramine include but are not limited to drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and blurred vision.
Dexamethasone: side effects include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcers, blood disorders, skin, muscle and bone damage, nervous system disorders, infections, increased blood sugar, eye disorders, and mood disorders. Abrupt discontinuation of dexamethasone may cause symptoms of withdrawal, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, dizziness and fainting.
Glibenclamide: side effects include prolonged hypoglycaemia with symptoms of low blood sugar like dizziness, sweating, confusion and collapse.
Glucomannan: a thick soluble fiber used for the treatment of weight loss. As glucomannan has a great capacity to absorb water and expand, it may pose a serious health risk due to obstruction of the esophagus
Hydrochlorothiazide: a diuretic (water pill) prescription drug used to remove excess fluid from the body. It should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Side effects associated with hydrochlorothiazide include muscle cramps, dizziness, low blood pressure, headache and nausea
Indomethacin: a non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drug used for rheumatism, pain and inflammation. Its known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcer, anemia, kidney failure and reduced blood clotting ability.
Lead: chronic exposure may lead to anaemia, joint and muscle pain, neurological disorders, kidney damage, convulsions and coma.
Mefenamic acid: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea, stomach pain and bleeding.
Mercury: chronic exposure can cause numbness and gradual decreases in the senses of touch, vision, hearing and taste. In addition, neurological symptoms such as progressive loss of memory and balance, insomnia, hand tremors and behavioural changes, and kidney damage can also result.
Nimesulide: potent anti inflammatory drug associated with a risk of serious damage to the liver, including liver failure
Phenolphthalein: banned for its cancer causing effect.
Prednisolone: steroid, with extended unmonitored use can cause side effects such as moon face (round face), high blood pressure, high blood sugar and peptic ulcer.
Sibutramine: side effects include dry mouth, palpitation, insomnia, and increased blood pressure and heart rate, emotional disturbance, and possibly convulsion. People with heart problems should not take it.
Sibutramine analogues: chemically similar to sibutramine are expected to have the same side effects.
Sildenafil: side effects include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
Sildenafil analogues: chemically similar to sildenafil are expected to have the same side effects.
Tadalafil: side effects, such as headaches and flushing. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. (see Sildenafil)
Tetrahydropalmatine: reported toxic effects include depression of neurological, respiratory and cardiac functions in paediatric cases, as well as hepatitis after prolonged use in adults.
Yohimbine: a prescription drug that can affect blood pressure and the heart. It should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Side effects associated with yohimbine include tremors, sleep disorders, anxiety, abnormal blood pressure and heart beat, seizures, and kidney problems.