Fake Herbal Medicine For Hepatitis ‘B’ On Market

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) wishes to bring to the attention of the general public the distribution and sale of a fake herbal medicine, HEPA 3. The FDA has not registered HEPA 3 as being claimed by the manufacturer.

According to the manufacturers of HEPA 3, Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa and Akomea Sakyi, who operate a herbal clinic/manufacturing facility at Chirapatre called Power Specialist Clinic/ Power Health Products Limited, HEPA 3 is supposed to treat Hepatitis B, Typhoid fever and other immune-compromised conditions.

A statement issued and assigned by Dr. Stenphen K. Opuni, chief executive officer of the Authority has advised the general public not to patronize HEPA 3 because it cannot treat Hepatitis B infection.

Moreover, Hepatitis B infection is a viral disease whilst Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella bacteria. One product cannot, therefore, treat the two disease conditions.

Hepatitis B infection can lead to life-threatening complications like impairment of the liver (reduced ability of the liver to function), liver failure and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Hepatitis B infection can also cause kidney problems that may lead eventually to kidney failure.

In view of the seriousness of the above complications, it is unacceptable for anyone to mislead the public that he/she has a cure for Hepatitis B when actually that is not true.

Meanwhile Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa and Akomea Sakyi, manufacturers and distributors of HEPA 3, according to the statement, have been arrested by the Kumasi police. The public is entreated to report anyone found selling HEPA 3 to the nearest FDA office or the Police.

Additionally, information from the general public on persons in any practice, possible of endangering public health and safety with respect to FDA’s mandate is most welcomed.