Rising side effects reported from Korean traditional herbal diet medicines

Consumer organizations are warning about side effects from Korean traditional herbal diet medicines prescribed at oriental medicine clinics, as reports of adverse reactions continue to rise.

Consumer Action for Future announced on Tuesday that out of 181 consultations related to herbal diet medicine received by the 1,372 consumer counseling centers from January to August, side effect issues accounted for 70 cases (38.6 percent), the highest number.

Side effects reported after taking herbal diet medicine primarily included headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness. However, cases involving serious symptoms, such as pancreatitis, urinary dysfunction, a sudden spike in liver enzyme levels, and vaginal bleeding, were also reported, according to the organization.

“Some consumers suffered additional harm, such as having to pay penalty fees during contract termination, even after submitting medical certificates following side effects. There were also cases where excessive penalty fees were imposed even when they had to stop taking the medicine due to deteriorating health,” the group said. The average amount of damage per person reached 3.7 million won ($2,665).

For example, a woman in her 40s, identified only as Ms. A, paid 5.9 million won on June 24 for a six-month supply of diet herbal medicine prescribed at an Oriental medicine clinic. However, after taking the medicine, she experienced side effects, including vomiting. She obtained a medical certificate confirming that the herbal medicine was the cause and submitted it to the clinic.

The clinic responded that only 3.23 million won could be refunded, after deducting 2.67 million won for the penalty fee and other charges. The clinic deducted 1.9 million won for the already-prepared herbal medicine, 590,000 won (10 percent penalty), 100,000 won for personalized coaching, 30,000 won for one month of a paid app subscription, and 50,000 won for mugwort tea from the refund amount.

Consumer Action for Future also stated that out of 181 total consultations related to herbal diet medicine, 67 were associated with a franchise-type clinic. After seeing a YouTube video emphasizing the low price of “90,000 won for the first month,” she visited this clinic, but the actual amount paid reached up to 9.9 million won.

There were also cases where herbal diet medicine was delivered by courier after a phone consultation. Another woman in her 30s, identified as Ms. B, called a clinic introduced by an acquaintance, spoke with a doctor, and was prescribed “diet pills.” However, after taking them, she experienced diarrhea and nausea. When she requested a refund, she was told it wasn't possible because the medicine was a prescribed herbal remedy. The consumer group stated that it received 10 such cases in which herbal medicine was delivered by courier based solely on online or phone consultations.

“We have been continuously receiving consumer consultations related to diet herbal medicine from Korean medicine clinics,” it said. “Numerous cases of side effects, as well as suspected illegal online sales, have been confirmed, requiring consumers to exercise particular caution.”

The group advised, “If side effects occur, it is crucial to stop taking the medicine and seek medical attention even for mild symptoms to obtain a medical certificate.”