Consumers have been warned again not to buy a corrosive paste being marketed as a cancer cure, which has badly burned at least four people.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a safety alert about black salve, red salve and Cansema — sold through some Australian websites as an alternative treatment for cancer — after another severe adverse skin reaction was reported.
The TGA issued an initial warning in March, after three people suffered burns to their skin, subcutaneous tissue and, in one case, muscle, after using the product.
The salves contain an active ingredient called sanguinarine, known as bloodroot, and also sometimes contain zinc chloride. They burn off layers of skin and surrounding tissue and can cause significant scarring, the TGA said.
In three of the reported cases, the patients needed medical treatment after using the salve.
Websites selling black salve say the product only attacks cancerous cells, so any skin irritation is a sign that cancer is present and that the treatment is working.
There was no “credible, scientific evidence” to back up any of those claims, the TGA said.
“In fact, the evidence shows that they will cause skin irritation regardless of whether any malignancy is present.”
The products are not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, so cannot be banned by the TGA.
However, the Complaints Resolution Panel is considering a complaint regarding how the salve has been advertised on Australian websites.
The TGA is also investigating whether the products are being supplied unlawfully. If they are, suppliers could be subject to fines of up to $5.5 million.
Anybody who had used the salves and was concerned about an adverse reaction should speak to a medical practitioner, the TGA said.
Doctors and other health professionals should report any adverse reactions to the TGA.
Consumers have been warned again not to buy a corrosive paste being marketed as a cancer cure, which has badly burned at least four people.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a safety alert about black salve, red salve and Cansema — sold through some Australian websites as an alternative treatment for cancer — after another severe adverse skin reaction was reported.
The TGA issued an initial warning in March, after three people suffered burns to their skin, subcutaneous tissue and, in one case, muscle, after using the product.
The salves contain an active ingredient called sanguinarine, known as bloodroot, and also sometimes contain zinc chloride. They burn off layers of skin and surrounding tissue and can cause significant scarring,...