Strong steroid found in ‘natural’ skin cream
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has today issued a recall asking patients to return affected products.
Individuals who have purchased Dermaved Sensitive Cream via the company’s website are today being asked to stop using it and return the product after it was found to contain a potent steroid.
The MHRA, who issued the recall, has worked to ensure that Dermaved Sensitive Cream is removed from sale.
Dermaved Sensitive Cream is not a licensed medicine and has been marketed in the UK as a natural Ayurvedic product for sensitive skin.
The MHRA’s analysis of the product found the presence of the steroid clobetasol propionate. This is the active ingredient in topical (on the skin) Prescription-Only medicines used for the treatment of a range skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Creams containing steroids should be used sparingly and as directed by the prescriber. They should also not be used on children under 1 year of age. Long-term use can rarely cause local complications such as skin thinning and if inappropriately used, can worsen conditions such as eczema.
MHRA has previously issued warnings for products called Zudaifu cream and Yiganerjing Cream which contained the same steroid ingredient.
Dr Laura Squire, MHRA Chief Quality and Access Officer said:
“Anyone who has purchased Dermaved Sensitive Cream should stop using it immediately, particularly on young children or babies, and return it to the manufacturer. This is because it has been found to contain a strong steroid which can have adverse effects.
“Whilst some steroid creams are available in pharmacies, they must be authorised by the MHRA and carry clear instructions for use. Where creams containing potent steroids are prescribed by a healthcare professional, use should be in line with their advice on where, how often and for how long they should be used. Steroids can infrequently suppress the skin’s response to infection, cause long-term thinning of the skin, and if applied long-term over a wide area, particularly in babies and children, can cause other medical problems.
“If you have had any side effects from using this cream or after stopping using it, please talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Suspected side effects should also be reported via the Yellow Card Scheme.
“Selling creams directly to the public that contain strong steroids is illegal as they can be dangerous if used without medical supervision.”
Notes to editors:
- If you are unsure about the safety of a medicine claiming to be “natural” or “herbal” you should check for a Marketing Authorisation (MA) or Product Licence (PL) number or Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) number / the THR logo. This means the product has been assessed by MHRA for safety and has been manufactured correctly. For more information, visit NHS Choices.
- If you are aware of Dermaved Sensitive Cream being sold elsewhere, please report it to MHRA at Borderline_medicine@mhra.gov.uk.
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK. All work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (‘the agency’) has three centres. The MHRA, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). The agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.