Jordanian Health Minister Faleh Nasser on Tuesday announced the names of 15 medicines that had been taken off the market for containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA), which is considered to pose a potential health hazard.
The effects of PPA, which is associated with the 15 nasal decongestants, are similar to those of amphetamines, meaning they cause an increase in heart rate and stimulation of the cardiovascular system.
According to the Jordan Times, a study conducted by scientists at Yale University School of Medicine in the US revealed that there was an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain tissue) in people who took PPA.
Nasser was quoted by the Amman-based paper as saying that “There is intensive supervision to prevent the distribution of such medicines.”
Pharmacies are being monitored to ensure that such medicines are not on their shelves – Albawaba.com
