Perth mother’s near-fatal reaction sparks immune supplement warning
“Itching, rash, hives or urticaria and then it can quickly progress to breathing problems or a feeling of constriction in the throat or a feeling of tightness in the chest, people can suffer from lack of blood pressure… the lips can be swollen, the eyes can be swollen, the tongue can be swollen, so people can have all or any combination of these symptoms.
“Some of these patients were in such severe condition that they were admitted to hospital and required adrenaline for resuscitation.
“Others should have gone to hospital but they didn’t realize what was happening to them and just stayed at home and luckily survived.”
Hundreds of cases of anaphylaxis have been reported
The Therapeutic Goods Administration received 1,365 reports of adverse reactions linked to andrography, 859 of which involved ArmaForce and 286 cases of anaphylaxis.
Although warning labels became mandatory in 2019, serious reactions continue to be reported, including a fatal case of anaphylaxis in 2024.
The TGA says it is now considering further regulatory options.
ArmaForce is a popular immunity supplement.Credit: 9News Perth
BioCeuticals, the company that produces ArmaForce, said in a statement: “Products containing andrographis may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis in some individuals, in rare cases.”
The company said that all necessary warnings are included on product packaging in line with TGA requirements.
‘Questionable’ benefits
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Professor Katelaris said the benefits of immunity supplements against viral infections were “questionable”.
“People think of it as viral respiratory infections, and we’re all going to get rid of them anyway,” he said.
“So if you look at any drug from a risk versus benefit perspective, it comes down to risk… and I think the TGA needs to do something about taking ArmaForce off the shelves.”
In the meantime, Smith said he will stay away from the supplement and hopes his story can be a warning to others.
9News Perth
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