Pharmacist Warns Against YouTuber's Use of Psychoactive Diet Pills

A practicing pharmacist has analyzed that the diet pills consumed by YouTuber 'Ipjjalbeun Haetnim' are classified as psychoactive narcotics.

On the 23rd, the YouTube channel 'Certain Pharmacist' posted a video titled, "'Claimed to Lose Weight Through Exercise'... The Diet Pills Received by Ipjjalbeun Haetnim, 'Butterfly Pills'! Don't Even Be Curious or Take Them."

In the video, pharmacist Park Ji-in stated, "As soon as I saw the pills mentioned in Ipjjalbeun Haetnim's article, I recognized them. I've compounded these pills many times before; it's a combination that was frequently prescribed in the past." According to Park Ji-in, the medication consists of a combination of green tea extract, phentermine (known as 'Butterfly Pills'), diuretics, caffeine and analgesic compounds, and antidepressants.

Park Ji-in also recounted a case involving a patient who was prescribed this combination and later died, leading to a police investigation. "The police came to our pharmacy and informed us of her death. They took all the medical records, indicating a close connection to this medication," he explained.

He confirmed that the medication mentioned in the article is 'Purimin,' which is collectively referred to as 'Butterfly Pills' along with 'Dietamin' and 'Phentermine.' He added, "Dietamin is a psychoactive drug that is stored in a safe and strictly controlled."

Park Ji-in detailed the side effects of the medication, noting that while it suppresses appetite by activating the sympathetic nervous system, its effectiveness diminishes with long-term use. "The recommendation is to use it within four weeks, or up to three months in special cases. It's a narcotic," he emphasized, "It's essentially in the amphetamine class, similar to methamphetamine."

Meanwhile, YouTuber Ipjjalbeun Haetnim is under suspicion of illegally obtaining medication and IV drips from an unlicensed medical practitioner, who is reportedly acquainted with comedian Park Na-rae. Allegations have also surfaced that he passed the medication to Park Na-rae.

Ipjjalbeun Haetnim is currently facing charges for violating medical laws. As the controversy grew, he announced a halt to his activities, stating, "I should have been more careful and prudent in my actions, but I failed to do so."

Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr