Case studies of appetite suppressant and synthetic phosphoethanolamine: The diminishing role of the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency

Abstract

This article deals with the diminishing role of the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency, whose main objective is to protect the health of the population, particularly through the mitigation of risks from consumer products, such as medications. This devaluation of the agency is caused by the growing threats to its areas of actuation, largely due to decisions made the Brazilian Congress, which is pressured by some groups, or even social upheaval driven by notions of panaceas. Two emblematic cases are analyzed: appetite suppressants and synthetic phosphoethanolamine.