Products found to contain undeclared medicines
|
| |
| Singapore: HSA Alert: "HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi", a herbal product detected to contain potent steroids and anti-inflammatory painkiller |
| |
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or use "HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi", a herbal product and to seek medical attention if they have consumed the product. HSA’s tests revealed that the product contained two potent steroids (dexamethasone and prednisolone) and an anti-inflammatory painkiller (diclofenac) which can cause serious adverse effects.
Over the past weeks, HSA has also received a few suspected adverse event reports associated with this product. These included serious events of acute kidney injuries and Cushing’s syndrome, a serious medical condition characterised by a round face or “moon face” appearance. Two patients were hospitalised earlier in November and have since been discharged. Review of these cases are ongoing.
“HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi” was sold through various channels, including local e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Carousell and Lazada, social media platforms such as Tik Tok and local retail shops. It is marketed as a “traditional herbal supplement passed down through generations” to relieve multiple medical conditions including joint pain and gout. The product was touted to be “steroid-free”, a “genuine product” of “premium quality” which could deceive consumers that the product was safe.
Dexamethasone and prednisolone are potent steroids that are prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision. Long-term unsupervised use of steroids can cause increased blood sugar levels which could lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders such as osteoporosis, an increased risk of infections and Cushing’s syndrome. Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can lead to steroid withdrawal effects and adrenal insufficiency (a serious steroid withdrawal condition, where the body does not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones after stopping long-term steroid use). This may cause fatigue, generalised weakness, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, fits or shock.
Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory painkiller that should be used under close medical supervision, especially in consumers with underlying heart or kidney conditions. It can cause serious gastric bleeding, as well as cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke when used for a prolonged period, and can also worsen kidney function in patients with pre-existing kidney problems.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/hsa-alert---hw-beauty-serbuk-campuran-kurma--madu---limau-kasturi
In Hong Kong, the above product is not a registered pharmaceutical product.
Ends/Thursday, Nov 20, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:15
|
| |
