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Australian man hospitalized after lead poisoning after consuming Kamini tablet: Report | trending

Australian man hospitalized after lead poisoning after consuming Kamini tablet: Report | trending

Urgent health warning issued by health authorities in the South Australia Following a serious case of lead poisoning linked to a product marketed as a complementary medicine. The substance in question, known as Multani Kaminividravana Rasa or Kamini, was consumed by a patient who later had to be hospitalized due to alarming levels of lead and mercury detected in the substance.

Health officials warned about Kamini after a person was hospitalized with lead poisoning. (Representative image)(Unsplash)
Health officials warned about Kamini after a person was hospitalized with lead poisoning. (Representative image)(Unsplash)

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Illegally imported and potentially dangerous

The contaminated Kamini was purchased from a Southeast Asian supermarket in Adelaide and is believed to have been imported into the country illegally, local media outlet Nine News reported. The product, which is marketed as a “strong stimulant” with the claim that it increases strength and vitality, carries serious health risks due to the dangerous substances it contains, although it is in the form of dark colored lumps.

SA Health’s director of protection and regulation, Chris Lease, highlighted the serious threats posed by unregulated products such as Kamini. “The presence of heavy metals and the potential involvement of opioids can create a high risk of addiction and serious health consequences,” he said. Kamini’s previous analyzes had uncovered harmful substances that have led to numerous public health alerts in recent years.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had previously warned the public about Kamini, emphasizing that its ingredients were classified as dangerous poisons and that the product had not undergone the safety, quality or effectiveness assessments required by Australian law. Concerns are growing about possible opioid content in Kamini, with ongoing testing to determine the presence of substances such as codeine and morphine. Reports have previously linked Kamini to a rise in opioid addiction among users in Australia, leading many to seek treatment for withdrawal symptoms.

Recognizing symptoms and asking for help

Symptoms of lead poisoning can include abdominal pain, nausea, headache, irritability, and serious neurological effects that may require hospitalization or even lead to death. Health officials urge anyone who suspects they may have consumed Kamini or who shows symptoms of lead poisoning to seek medical attention immediately.

(Also read: Japanese students hospitalized after eating chips made from Indian bhut jolokia)

Although its supply is illegal in Australia, Kamini continues to be secretly imported and sold in some grocery stores and online platforms. The TGA is working closely with the Australian Border Force to intercept shipments of these dangerous products.

In response to this worrying situation, SA Health has advised emergency departments and GPs to be alert for signs of lead poisoning in patients showing relevant symptoms. The health department emphasizes that Kamini should never be swallowed and reiterates the importance of those currently using the product to seek professional medical advice.