"Essentially in the amphetamine family, similar to methamphetamine"
"Highly effective, but can cause depression and insomnia"
As suspicions have arisen that YouTuber Ipjjalheun Haetnim illegally obtained prescriptions for diet pills, a practicing pharmacist has warned that the medication is so dangerous that there have even been fatal cases.
On December 23, pharmacist Jiin Park, who runs the YouTube channel "Some Pharmacist," uploaded a video titled, '"She said she lost weight through exercise"... The diet pills received by Ipjjalheun Haetnim, 'Butterfly Pills'! Never be curious about them or take them.'
In the video, Park referred to a YTN article stating that Ipjjalheun Haetnim took the diet pills three to four times a day to lose weight, and explained what the medication is. Park said, "As soon as I saw the diet pills mentioned in the article, I knew what they were. I have dispensed this combination many times before; it was commonly prescribed in the past," adding, "It's a combination of green tea extract, 'phentermine'-commonly called Butterfly Pills-diuretics, a mix of caffeine and painkillers, antidepressants, liver medication, and stomach medication. However, this combination is no longer used these days."
Park also mentioned that, in the past, a patient died after taking this medication, which led to a police investigation. Park recalled, "When I worked at a pharmacy in front of a general hospital, a young woman would get two sets of this medication per week, for six to seven times," and continued, "One day, the police came to the pharmacy and told us that she had passed away. I couldn't ask how she died, but since they took all her medical records, I believe her death was closely related to this medication."
Park added that as soon as she saw the pills in the article, she recognized them as the same as those from her own experience, saying, "Only the shape of Dietamin was different. The drug in the article is Purimin, but Dietamin, Phentermine, and Purimin are all commonly called Butterfly Pills." Butterfly Pills are first-generation appetite suppressants that have been used since being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959. However, unlike drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, which have recently gained attention, Butterfly Pills are classified as psychotropic drugs and require special management.
Pharmacist Park explained, "When you take this medication, your sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing arousal and excitement. You feel extremely elated, as if you have passed an exam or received good news, and your appetite disappears," adding, "The short-term weight loss effect is very pronounced. The recommended duration of use is within four weeks, and in special cases, within three months."
Pharmacist Jiin Park, who runs the YouTube channel "Some Pharmacist," is explaining the dangers of the diet pills presumed to have been taken by Eoljuka Haetnim. YouTube Some Pharmacist
However, Park warned that although the chemical structure is different, the drug is essentially similar to narcotics. She said, "Because you feel more awake, your work efficiency seems to improve, you lose your appetite, you feel good, and you feel extremely energetic, almost as if you're living your best life. Doesn't this sound familiar? That's exactly what narcotics do," adding, "Butterfly Pills have a slightly different chemical structure, but they are essentially in the amphetamine family. Simply put, they are similar to methamphetamine."
She continued, "So, beyond the typical side effects of dry mouth, irritability, heart palpitations, and insomnia, taking this drug can lead to depression or other psychiatric disorders."
Ipjjalheun Haetnim is suspected of having received diet pills from Ms. Lee, known as the "Injection Aunt," who is an acquaintance of Park Narae, and is also alleged to have delivered the pills to Park Narae. On December 19, Ipjjalheun Haetnim was reported for violating the Narcotics Control Act, and on the same day, she released a statement admitting her carelessness, saying she believed Ms. Lee was a doctor, and announced her suspension of activities.
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