Media Releases
Consumer warning on kava-containing medicines
Australians who purchase over the counter medicines containing kava (also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum) are warned of international reports linking use of this substance to severe liver damage.
TW05/2002
7 March 2002
Consumer warning on kava-containing medicines
Australians who purchase over the counter medicines containing kava (also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum) are warned of international reports linking use of this substance to severe liver damage, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Trish Worth, announced today.
"The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that, while there have not been any reports of liver damage related to kava use in Australia, consumers as well as healthcare professionals should be alert for any possible signs of such problems," Ms Worth said.
"Anyone using kava-containing medicines should seek medical advice if they experience any unexplained symptoms."
The following symptoms may be associated with liver problems:
- loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or mild fever;
- gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort;
- unexplained bruising or bleeding; and
- jaundice which is commonly associated with dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
"Little is known about the way kava interacts with other medicines and consumers should be cautious about taking these products while taking conventional medicines unless on the advice of a healthcare professional."
Kava is a member of the pepper family and has traditionally been cultivated by Pacific Islanders for use as a social and ceremonial drink - either ground or chewed up and mixed with water or coconut milk. Some Aboriginal communities are also known to use kava, however kava has not been a part of their traditional systems.
To date, traditionally prepared forms of kava have apparently not been associated with the serious forms of liver damage described in the overseas reports.
There are 84 medicines containing extracts from the kava plant on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. These are sold for insomnia and sleeplessness and relief of stress, anxiety and tension.
"The TGA has written to all Australian suppliers of medicines containing kava, reminding them of their responsibility to report any adverse reactions," Ms Worth said.
"The TGA is working with international regulatory bodies to find out what is causing these cases of liver toxicity overseas, whether kava-containing medicines are involved and to identify those patients most at risk," she said.
Media Contact: Nicola Thompson on (02) 6289 5324
