Medications

Some prescription drugs, narcotics, and some U.S. over-the-counter medications are illegal in other countries.

Here is a list of medications that have been banned by the MCC – South Africa’s version of the CDC.

• Terfenadine – this is an antihistamine found in allergy medicines.
• All Kava-containing medicines – this is a medication that is used to treat stress, insomnia, anxiety. There are a lot of over-the-counter medications that contain this plant.
• Avandia – this is a diabetes medication that has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure and heart attacks.
• Flunitrazepam – this is a powerful hypnotic medication that is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
• Chlormezanone – this is a potent muscle relaxant. It is associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is a life-threatening skin condition.
• Barbiturates in asthma medications – this is banned in South Africa due to its serious side effects.
• Mibefradil – this is used to treat hypertension and chronic angina pectoris.