Eczema and psoriasis sufferers urged to stop using a 'dangerous' Chinese medicine because it contains a potent steroid
- The MHRA has today issued a warning to patients who use Yiganerjing cream
- Tests found it contains clobetasol propionate - used in prescription-only drugs
- UK law states it is illegal to sell products containing this ingredient to the public
Patients taking a Chinese medicine to combat their eczema or psoriasis should stop taking it 'immediately', health officials have warned.
Yiganerjing cream has been branded 'dangerous' by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Analysis by the Government-run department found the natural remedy contains a 'potent' steroid called clobetasol propionate.
UK law states it is illegal to sell products containing this ingredient to the public, and it can only be dished out on prescription.
The MHRA also declared the samples of Yiganerjing cream they tested contains two antifungal ingredients - which can lead to heart failure.
Yiganerjing cream - used by some eczema and psoriasis patients - has been branded 'dangerous' by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Dr Chris Jones, manager of the Medicines Borderline Section at MHRA, said: 'The sale of potent steroid creams directly to the public is illegal for good reason.
'If used without medical supervision these medicines can be dangerous.
'Our advice to anyone who is using Yiganerjing Cream, particularly on young children and babies, is to discontinue use immediately.'
He added: 'Steroids must be prescribed by healthcare professionals who follow strict criteria when prescribing them and monitoring patients using them.
'They can suppress the skin’s response to infection, can 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.'
The MHRA declared it has stopped the sale of Yiganerjing cream by having it taken down from websites and online markets.
But it fears people who purchased the remedy - sold online as not containing any steroids - in the past may still be using it.
Yiganerjing Cream is not a licensed medicine and has been marketed in the UK as a 'natural' Chinese herbal remedy.
It is claimed to help patients with eczema, psoriasis and rosacea - but manufactures believe it can also treat pains and insect bites.
Clobetasol propionate - found in the cream - is the active ingredient in prescription-only drugs used for treating psoriasis and eczema.
In a statement released today, MHRA advisors also warned over the use of Penny Orange Cream - which also contains the steroid.
But it said the product, which was being used at a herbal clinic, is no longer on sale.
Creams containing steroids should be used sparingly. They are contraindicated for children under one year of age.
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