Weeks after the TGA’s decision, Liza Twohill, a holistic Wellness professional warns consumers that “practitioner-only” and liquid forms are no safer

Australians who stocked up on Andrographis for cold and flu season are being urged to check their medicine cabinets. On 17 September the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) took the herb off the list of ingredients allowed in low-risk Listed medicines.

Liza Twohill, a Naturopathic health professional, says many people don't realise the decision affects the products they already have at home.

"The products are still sitting in people's bathrooms, and the herb was popular for a reason," she said. "But the TGA's review is clear. Serious allergic reactions are uncommon, but they can come on fast and be severe. Having taken it before without a problem doesn't mean you're safe next time."

The TGA has received more than 1,300 adverse event reports linked to Andrographis products, including 287 cases of anaphylaxis since 2005. Mandatory warning labels came in from 2019, but they did not meaningfully reduce reactions. A fatal reaction reported in 2024 triggered the final review.

Ms Twohill says two common assumptions need correcting.

"People often think a practitioner-only product, or a traditional liquid extract, is the gentler, safer choice. But the evidence doesn't support that assumption. The TGA found insufficient evidence to identify any particular dose, extract or preparation as lower risk. Just because a product is supplied by a practitioner doesn't mean it's free from serious allergic reactions."

The TGA's review also found that standard allergy screening often fails to pick up people at risk. Viral illness, exercise, alcohol and anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen may also raise the risk or severity of a reaction. That matters because Andrographis is usually taken when someone is already unwell.

What consumers should do

Check your cupboard for any product listing Andrographis paniculata as an ingredient.

If you're currently taking it, talk to your herbalist, naturopath, GP or pharmacist about suitable alternatives.

Anyone who has signs of a severe allergic reaction after taking it should stop immediately and call 000.

Suspected reactions can be reported to the TGA.

"This is natural medicine industry working the way it should," Ms Twohill said. "Practitioners report what we see, the regulator acts on the evidence, and our job now is to help patients make safe choices without panic."

ENDS

Media contact: Sarah Cassim | 0420610651 | Sarah@sarahcassim.com
Interviews: Liza Twohill is available for interview and comment.

About Liza Twohill
Liza Twohill is a regional Australian naturopath, herbalist and healthcare educator with more than 25 years of experience in healthcare. A member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), she is a passionate advocate for evidence-informed natural medicine, patient safety and equitable access to quality healthcare in regional communities.

Background

TGA decision announced 17 September 2026. Andrographis has been removed from the permissible ingredients for Listed medicines, and sponsors are strongly encouraged to cancel products, stop supply and recall where appropriate.

The TGA first received anaphylaxis reports in 2005, issued a safety advisory in 2015 and required warning labels from May 2020.

https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/recalls-and-other-market-actions/market-actions/andrographis-recalls-concerns-over-allergy-risk?utm_source=chatgpt.com for more information on the recall.