Products found to contain undeclared medicines
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| Singapore: HSA alerts public to three health products found to contain undeclared western medicinal ingredients |
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume three health products that were tested to contain undeclared western medicinal ingredients which can cause serious adverse reactions. All three products were either purchased overseas through friends or from online platforms. These products did not have a list of ingredients on their labels, which complementary health products (including Chinese proprietary medicines, traditional medicines and health supplements) are required to carry.
The products are:
• 活血清肝解毒丸 (Huo Xue Qing Gan Jie Du Wan): undeclared dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine
• 黄牛木是你的救星 (Huang Niu Mu Shi Ni De Jiu Xing): undeclared dexamethasone
• Meizitang Botanical Slimming 100% Natural Soft Gel: undeclared diclofenac
‘Huo Xue Qing Gan Jie Du Wan’ and ‘Huang Niu Mu Shi Ni De Jiu Xing’ were purchased overseas and claimed to be able to treat various forms of chronic ailments, such as arthritis, liver disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. However, one patient in his 40s was hospitalised for Cushing’s syndrome (which is characterised by round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs), joint pain, weight gain and insomnia after consuming ‘Huo Xue Qing Gan Jie Du Wan’. The presence of dexamethasone (a potent steroid) in the product could have contributed to his medical condition. Another patient experienced rapid relief of his joint pain after consuming ‘Huang Niu Mu Shi Ni De Jiu Xing’, which was also tested to contain dexamethasone.
‘Meizitang Botanical Slimming 100% Natural Soft Gel’, which was sold through online platforms, claimed to be ‘free of side effects’ but was tested to contain diclofenac, a potent painkiller.
Members of the public who have purchased or are consuming ‘Huo Xue Qing Gan Jie Du Wan’ or ‘Huang Niu Mu Shi Ni De Jiu Xing’ are advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Do not stop taking the products immediately as sudden discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure, especially when they have been consumed for more than a few weeks.
Memebers of the public who have purchased or are consuming ‘Meizitang Botanical Slimming 100% Natural Soft Gel’ ae advised to stop taking the product immediately, and consult a doctor if they experience any discomfort after using the product or are concerned about their health.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/content/hsa/../hsa-alerts-publictothreehealthproductsfoundtocontainundeclaredwe.html#
In Hong Kong, the above products are not registered pharmaceutical products.
Ends/ Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:00
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