Apple's Quick-Impact Weight Loss capsules pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested Apple's Quick-Impact Weight Loss capsules and found that:

• it contains the undeclared prescription substance sibutramine - despite the product label claim that it is natural and contains no medicines.
• consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only substance (which was the active ingredient in medicine Reductil). It was withdrawn in October 2010 after a study showed an increased risk of major cardiac events.
• the levels of sibutramine found in these capsules are above the previously allowable prescription levels.
• it also contains the undeclared substance phenolphthalein which was previously used as an oral laxative, but is no longer available in Australia due to serious safety concerns associated with its long term use.

The supply of Apple's Quick-Impact Weight Loss capsules is illegal.

Apple's Quick-Impact Weight Loss capsules have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.

TGA investigations have shown that people in Australia may have bought the product online.

On this page: Information for consumers | Action the TGA is taking | Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

Information for consumers

• Stop taking Apple's Quick-Impact Weight Loss capsules and take any remaining capsules to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
• If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.
• The ACCC has provided additional information, Watch out for weight loss scams, about the risks of scams promoting weight loss.

Action the TGA is taking

The TGA is working with Australian Customs and Border Protection Services (Customs) to help stop future shipments of Apple's Quick-Impact Weight Loss capsules from entering Australia.

If these capsules are found at the border by Customs they will be seized and destroyed.

The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites. Products purchased over the Internet:

• may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
• may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by the TGA for supply in Australia.

Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices

If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA: