Prof Connie Katelaris on allergic reactions to a cold and flu treatment
- Published
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 9:00 AM
ArmaForce is used to treat colds and flu but a key ingredient may be causing adverse reactions for hundreds of Australians, Professor Connie Katelaris, National Allergy Centre of Excellence Respiratory Allergy Stream Co-chair, told ABC 7.30.
The professor of immunology and allergy at Western Sydney University and head of immunology and allergy at Campbelltown Hospital in Sydney, has conducted research with colleagues.
They believe a herb called Andrographis paniculata, which is an ingredient in ArmaForce, is triggering allergic reactions in adults.
The ABC reported, the herb has been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine and is promoted to help relieve symptoms of common colds, such as fever and a sore throat.
"It's come to light that many of us have been seeing patients where we believe that Andrographis has been the cause of their acute allergic reactions," Professor Katelaris said.
"They range from urticaria or hives, generalised hives, itching, to full-blown anaphylaxis that's been truly life-threatening.
"We've had patients who have required urgent trips to hospital and more than one dose of adrenaline to resuscitate them."
Read more on the ABC. Image: ABC
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