By: Jet Villa, InterAksyon.com May 26, 2013 7:15 PM

Reuters file photo of stem cell therapy

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH)'s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against undergoing stem cell therapy in non-health facilities.

The FDA issued the warning after it received complaints that stem cell therapies were being done in hotel rooms.

It has also advised the public to consult only with duly-licensed medical practitioners who practice stem cell therapy in DOH-approved health establishments

The agency has also warned the public "against receiving stem cell preparations and therapies without prior regulatory applications and approval" from the FDA and the DOH.

The following stem cell preparations require government approval, according to the FDA:

An advisory from the FDA-DOH states that the agencies do not allow the creation, importation, promotion, marketing and use of human embryos, human embryonic stem cells and their derivatives, aborted human fetal stem cells and their derivatives for human treatment and research, as well as plant parts labeled as stem cells.

Patients who receive stem cell preparation without prior FDA-DOH approval run the risk of contracting infectious diseases and severe complications which may lead to permanent disabilities, physical deformities, serious iatrogenic harm, autoimmune diseases and worst death, and without the benefit of health insurance coverage.

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PH gov't warns public vs stem cell therapies in hotels, other non-health facilities