Complementary medicine linked to case of severe lead poisoning
01 November 2024
Health experts have issued a warning after a patient presented to hospital with severe lead poisoning after consuming an imported complementary medicine labelled as Multani Kaminividravana Rasa.
Alarmingly, the product – more commonly known as Kamini – was also found to contain high levels of mercury when analysed. Further testing is also underway to determine if it contains opioids such as codeine and morphine as they have been found in previous testing of these types of products.
Suspected to originate from overseas, the product was purchased locally from a south-east Asian supermarket.
It comes in the form of dark pellets and is sold as a ‘powerful stimulant useful in weakness and lack of vigour and vitality’.
The tablets pose a significant risk to health, particularly if they contain both high levels of heavy metals and opioids. Consuming the product can result in not only heavy metal toxicity but also dependence and accidental overdose – all resulting in possible hospitalisation and even death.
Health authorities have notified hospital emergency departments and GPs of the incident and to encourage the use of blood lead testing for patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
Symptoms of acute lead poisoning include unexplained abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, headache, fatigue, irritability, impaired concentration, seizures, coma, myalgia, renal impairment, and anaemia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has in the past issued safety advisories on the use of Kamini. While importing and supplying the tablets in Australia is illegal, they are being clandestinely imported and sold in some grocery stores and online. The TGA is working with the Australian Border Force to help stop shipments of the products from entering Australia.
If the product contains opioids in addition to heavy metals, advice and support should be provided related to harm reduction and treatment. The Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia can be contacted on 1300 131 340 for advice on drug treatment and support.
If you suspect you are experiencing severe lead poisoning or opioid overdose, seek urgent medical attention.
The Poisons Information Centre can also offer advice on lead poisoning, by calling 13 11 26.
Quotes attributable to SA Health Executive Director Health Protection and Regulation, Dr Chris Lease
Kultani Kaminividravana Rasa tablets should never be ingested. They have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation.
As they are not regulated, they may contain a potpourri of harmful ingredients some of which may cause severe illness and even death.
Not only does the presence of heavy metals in the tablets pose a serious risk to your health, the potential inclusion of opioids also creates a high risk of dependence, further escalating potential harm.
Store owners should also be aware that importation and/or supply of Multani Kamini Vidrawan Ras or any brand of Kamini tablets in Australia is illegal. Substances in Kamini products are prohibited imports under the Australian Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.