Global Warning Over ‘Toxic’ Diet Pills Which Claimed Life of Eloise Parry

A global warning on the dangers of diet pills that sadly claimed the life of a 21-year-old has been issued by an international police organisation.

Interpol, international police organisation have issued an Orange Notice warning about DNP, which is also used as a raw material for explosives, was published following the death of 21-year-old Eloise Parry from Shropshire last month. A French man was also left seriously ill after taking the substance.

Miss Parry, who was studying at Glyndwr University drove herself to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after taking the pills and sadly died on Sunday 12th April. Formal cause of death will be confirmed by the coroner at a later date.

The tablets are currently being tested and are believed to contain a substance called dinitrophenol or DNP, which is highly toxic and very dangerous. The drug can be used as a dieting and body-building aid, however Interpol have described the medication as ‘illicit and potentially lethal’.

A statement from the agency says: “Although usually sold in yellow powder or capsule form, DNP is also available as a cream. Besides the intrinsic dangers of DNP, the risks associated with its use are magnified by illegal manufacturing conditions.

“In addition to being produced in clandestine laboratories with no hygiene regulations, without specialist manufacturing knowledge the producers also expose consumers to an increased chance of overdose.”

In the 1930s DNP was used to boost metabolism and encourage weight loss, but it was taken out of circulation because of several deaths.

WADA Director General, David Howman, added: “We are appreciative that INTERPOL has issued this global warning on DNP. This is a perfect example of how crucial it is that law enforcement and anti-doping organizations continue to forge closer ties so that dangerous, and potentially fatal, substances such as DNP do not reach the hands of athletes.”

A tribute paid by Fiona Parry, Eloise’s mother states: “It is such a great sadness that her life ended so soon, and, in many ways, ended before it had really had a chance to begin. There were so many things that she dreamed of doing – travelling, having a career and having a family – things that she never got a chance to experience.

“She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her and it will be all the good memories of her that we will cherish as we go through the difficult weeks and months ahead.”

Fiona added: ” didn’t know it at the time, but Ella had bought slimming tablets on the internet. A substance called DNP (2,4-dinitrophenol) that is unsuitable for human consumption because of its toxicity. She had taken even more of these ‘slimming tablets’ than recommended on the pack and had no idea just how dangerous they really were. How many of us have ever thought ‘If one tablet works, surely it won’t hurt to take one or two more?’ When she started to feel unwell, she drove herself to hospital and walked into A&E. She explained what she had taken and there was no great panic as she was still completely lucid and with it. At this point she still seemed to be okay. That all changed when the toxicity report came back and it was clear how dire her situation was. The drug was in her system, there was no anti-dote, two tablets was a lethal dose – and she had taken eight.

“As Eloise deteriorated, the staff in A&E did all they could to stabilise her. As the drug kicked in and started to make her metabolism soar, they attempted to cool her down, but they were fighting an uphill battle. She was literally burning up from within. When she stopped breathing, they put her on a ventilator and carried on fighting to save her. When her hearted stopped they couldn’t revive her. She had crashed. She had taken so much DNP that the consequences were inevitable. They never stood a chance of saving her. She burned and crashed.”

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has offered the following information concerning the dangers posed by DNP.

“We advise the public not to take any tablets or powders containing DNP, as it is an industrial chemical and not fit for human consumption. It can be extremely dangerous to human health.”

More information about purchasing medication online can be found on the NHS website, here. For advice and support on eating disorders please visit the South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website, here: