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February 26, 2014
Researchers Urge Caution After Tamoxifen Found in Bodybuilding Product
Liverpool, UK—Researchers who discovered the breast cancer drug tamoxifen in samples of a widely available bodybuilding product are urging pharmacists and other health professionals to discuss dietary supplements with users. In a recent letter to the British Medical Journal, UK researchers explained that, for three decades, bodybuilders have used tamoxifen to prevent and treat gynaecomastia (breast swelling) caused by use of anabolic steroids. While tamoxifen traditionally was sourced from the black market, the letter writers pointed out, discussions on bodybuilding forums and a chemical name listed on its label led them to believe that a supplement called Esto Suppress contained the drug. Four samples of Esto Suppress were purchased at different times from late 2011 to early 2012, with analysis of contents. Researchers found tamoxifen in three out of the four samples at different concentrations (3.8 mg, 0.9 mg, and 3 mg). The recommended dosage of two capsules a day would provide 7.6 mg of tamoxifen—based on one sample—compared to the 10 to 20 mg used clinically for treating gynaecomastia, the letter authors noted. “Since the 2000s, a growing number of off-the-shelf products sold as ‘food,’ ‘herbal’ or ‘dietary supplements’ aimed at the lifestyle market—such as gym goers, people looking to lose weight, or enhance their sex lives—have been found to contain pharmacologically active substances,” according to the letter. “These include: anabolic steroids, growth hormones, aromatase inhibitors, erectogenics, stimulants, appetite suppressants, anxiolytics, diuretics and laxatives. Some of these substances have been withdrawn from use in medicines due to safety concerns (e.g. the anorectic rimonabant) or they have never been tested in humans (e.g. the anabolic steroid methasterone). In many cases the substances are not listed on the labeling, and products may be marketed as ‘natural’ exploiting the belief that such products are safer and healthier alternatives to synthetic substances. “In other cases, such as with Esto Suppress, only an obscure reference is made to the substance—such as a chemical name, which sometimes may be misspelled which is likely to have the effect of hiding the true ingredients from both consumers and regulators.” Noting that most users probably are unaware of what substances they are ingesting, the authors add, “Healthcare professionals should be aware of these developments, and, where relevant, ask their patients about any kind of ‘supplements’ that they may use.” The letter said it is not clear if Esto Suppress still contains tamoxifen. The dietary supplement, apparently based in the UK, is available anywhere through the Internet and generates significant discussion on U.S. bodybuilding forums. |
U.S. Pharmacist Social Connect
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