British Medicines Control Agency withdraws Epogam and Efamast

Patients prescribed gamolenic acid (Epogam or Efamast) for the symptomatic relief of atopic eczema or to treat mastalgia should be advised to have their treatment reviewed. This follows a decision by the Medicines Control Agency to withdraw the licences for these products. The MCA says that there is no safety issue associated with the withdrawal but that the available evidence on the efficacy of gamolenic acid is not sufficient to support licensing. Evening primrose oil (Oenethera biennis) still available as a dietary supplement for those that wish to continue taking it.

Pharmaceut J 2002; 269: 352.