Adolf Kaure

The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC) has advised consumers to consult healthcare professionals when using zinc picolinate and selenium-containing supplements, particularly for children under the age of 18 years.

The products are sold, among others, as immune boosters for children.  

In a recently released press statement, the Registrar of Medicines, Fransina Nambahu, urged the public to “promptly report any suspected adverse events related to zinc picolinate and selenium-containing products to the Therapeutic Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre (TIPC).”

 “The Government Notice No. 7509, classification of medicines and other substances, classifies zinc derivatives and selenium as Schedule 0,” she said. “Schedule 0 substances are medicines that are legally available for sale without a prescription; however, their classification does not eliminate the need for appropriate use, especially in children.”

– akaure@nepc.com.na