April/2009

Upheaval of Medicines with Asbestos-Containing Talc 

Since it was reported last April that asbestos-containing talc, a carcinogen, was being used as an ingredient in medicines as well as cosmetics, including use in baby powder, the public has been rightfully shocked and fearful.

The Korea Pharmaceutical Association has sought to compile a list of medicines and drugs produced with the talc ingredient, in order to prevent the potential damage through implementing immediate recalls and collections according to product risk status.

 As a result, 92% of all medicines with asbestos-containing talc on the market have been collected as of June 2009. It is now thought that talc medicines are not actually distributed in pharmacies.