Many people turn to the well-known drug Iberogast for stomach and intestinal problems such as stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea or cramps. The product is purely herbal. Nevertheless, it contains the controversial celandine, which is said to lead to serious side effects.
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Death by Iberogast?
The Cologne public prosecutor’s office is now investigating against the pharmaceutical company because the risk of liver damage as a side effect was not declared in the package leaflet. The group is accused of possible negligent homicide and bodily harm, as reported by the Handelsblatt . Earlier warning could have prevented the death. Bayer changed the package insert in October 2018, just three months after the death became known. It warns of rare but serious liver damage.
Discussion about the suspicion of liver damage
Although the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has known 48 cases for many years that indicate liver damage from Iberogast, Bayer has not complied with the request to add the package insert. The Steigerwald company, which previously produced Iberogast, also refused for years and appealed.
Poisonous celandine
The stomach remedy consists of nine different medicinal plants, including celandine. In small amounts, it has an antispasmodic effect, but in high concentrations, e.g. through long-term use, it can be toxic and damage the liver .