A person of Indian origin has been fined 7,000 pounds for selling creams that purportedly had spiritual qualities but were loaded with steroids to treat eczema in children.
Harminder Johal, hailing from the west Midlands, has pleaded guilty to two Medicines Act offences and has been ordered to pay 7,000 in fines and costs. Johal was found selling the creams while claiming that they contained "spiritual qualities".
Official sources in the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that in fact the creams were plain moisturisers that were laced with the prescription-only medicine Clobetasol Propionate.
They added that this prescription-only medicine contains corticosteroids and is only prescribed under normal circumstances to those with severe eczema and is usually prescribed by an expert in that area.
Mick Deats, Head of Intelligence & Enforcement, MHRA, said, "This result sends a clear message to those who are intent on abusing such potent medicines for financial gain. I cannot over-emphasise just how dangerous this kind of activity is.
"We will continue to clamp down on people who flout the laws under the Medicines Act and pose a threat to public health".
The MHRA is the government watchdog body responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are safe.
{{/usCountry}}The MHRA is the government watchdog body responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are safe.
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