Taiwan Health Minister responds to calls to revoke alcoholic medicine licenses

Taiwanese Minister of Health and Welfare, Shih Chung-liang, has responded to calls to revoke the pharmaceutical licenses of alcoholic medicinal liquids such as ‘Powerade B’ and ‘Visebi’. The proposal was made by Dr. Cheng Hung-chun, Vice President of the Cancer Center at Taitung Christian Hospital, who issued an open letter via social media.

Dr. Cheng argued that these products, which contain up to 10% alcohol, are often misused by laborers as energy drinks rather than medicine. He highlighted the public health risks, including increased chances of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cirrhosis, noting that many people may consume them excessively under the mistaken impression that they are simple nutritional supplements.

Minister Shih clarified that these products are currently classified as over-the-counter medicines because they contain both Chinese and Western medicinal ingredients. While he stated that any change in their classification requires further discussion and evaluation with the Food and Drug Administration and industry stakeholders, he emphasized that the government will first strengthen public warnings.

Authorities will increase efforts to ensure consumers understand these products are medicines containing alcohol and should not be used as energy drinks, especially by those driving or operating machinery, as the alcohol content could impair judgment or lead to failed breathalyzer tests.