Hemorrhoid Cream Linked To One CA Death, Health Department Warns

CALIFORNIA — A hemorrhoid ointment containing high levels of lead caused a Sacramento woman's death, triggering public health warnings across the Golden State, according to state officials.

An alert issued by the California Department of Public Health urged consumers to avoid Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu, a hemorrhoid ointment manufactured in Vietnam, after testing confirmed it contained four percent lead. Health officials warned any amount of lead is toxic and can be harmful to health but noted the amount found in the ointment was considered "highly dangerous."

Public health investigators learned the Sacramento woman bought the ointment via Facebook and had a relative in Vietnam mail it to her California address. Officials said it was unclear where the tainted ointment is sold.

The CDPH urged anyone who has purchased the ointment to take the following steps:

• Do not purchase or use this hemorrhoid ointment.
• If you are using this ointment, stop using it immediately.
• If you used this ointment, see your health care provider and get your blood tested for lead (venous blood test). Blood lead testing is the best method for identifying lead exposure. Because other household members could have come into contact with the ointment, all household members should have their blood lead tested. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning.
• If you have this ointment, put the jar of ointment in a sealed plastic bag and contact (510) 620-3620 or email toxoutbreak@cdph.ca.gov.

More details about the health alert are available in English and Vietnamese on the CDPH website.