JAKARTA - The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) explained that there were 1,094 traditional medicinal products and health supplements containing medicinal chemicals.
According to the results of monitoring conducted by BPOM in 2021, 64 products (0.65 percent) of the total 9,915 traditional medicinal products sampled and tested, contain medicinal chemicals (BKO).
"Although the percentage of traditional medicines containing BKO is relatively small, the danger to health is very high for the community," said Head of BPOM Penny K Lukito, monitored from BPOM YouTube in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 5, quoted from Antara.
From BPOM data, the drug chemical sildenafil citrate and its derivatives as well as tadalafil was detected added to traditional medicinal products which are claimed to increase male stamina. Meanwhile, paracetamol and dexamethasone are added to the aches and pains. If sibutramine hydrochloride is added to the drug for slimming.
"The circulation of traditional medicines containing medicinal chemicals has a negative impact on the economic, legal, social and cultural aspects," said Penny.
In addition to harming legal producers of traditional medicines because it creates unfair competition, the circulation of traditional medicines containing BKO has the risk of increasing public health costs due to the side effects that arise. Including causing public unrest and can damage the image of herbal medicine and reduce consumption of herbal medicine.
Penny said that currently more than 11,000 herbal products, 77 standardized herbal medicinal products, and 25 phytopharmaceutical products have been registered and obtained distribution permits from BPOM.
BPOM oversees the circulation of traditional medicines and conducts education, guidance and legal action to prevent the circulation of traditional medicinal products that can endanger public health.
Penny explained, according to Article 196 of Law Number 36 of 2009 concerning Health, the activity of producing and or distributing traditional medicines containing BKO can be punished with a maximum imprisonment of ten years and a maximum fine of Rp. 1 billion.
BPOM urges residents to choose traditional medicinal products and health supplements that have been registered and have distribution permits from BPOM in order to avoid traditional medicinal products containing BKO.
In addition, residents are advised to do a Klik Check (check packaging, labels, distribution permits, and expiration) before buying or using traditional medicines and health supplements.
"Make sure the packaging is in good condition, read the product information listed on the label, make sure the product has a BPOM distribution permit, and has not exceeded the expiration date," the BPOM appealed.
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