In the News: Kava Linked with Hepatitis
Twenty-four cases of hepatitis or liver failure (including one death and three liver transplants) have been linked to kava use in Germany. The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) in Bonn has informed producers and dealers of potential action; the BfArM is expected to restrict the sale of kava in Germany, allowing only preparations containing tiny amounts.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages health care professionals to review liver toxicity cases to determine if they may be related to kava-containing dietary supplements; adverse effects associated with this or other dietary supplements or drugs should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch adverse event and product problem hot line at: (800) FDA-1088 or via the internet (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm).
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content