Products found to contain undeclared medicines
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| Singapore: HSA Alert: “Setia Herba” detected to contain potent steroids and anti-inflammatory painkiller |
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or use "Setia Herba" that was sold online. The product was labelled to contain “100% authentic herbs” which were “safe to eat”. However, HSA’s tests revealed that the product contained two potent steroids (dexamethasone and prednisolone) and an anti-inflammatory painkiller (diclofenac).
A member of the public experienced relief from pain in his knee after consuming “Setia Herba” purchased from a TikTok seller. His friend alerted HSA to the case. “Setia Herba” was marketed online as a “traditional health product solution” that is able to relieve multiple medical conditions including joint pain and gout. It was also marketed with a “laboratory test certificate” to deceive consumers into thinking that the product was tested to be safe. “Setia Herba” was also sold on local e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Carousell and Lazada. HSA has worked with the platform administrators to remove listings of the product.
Dexamethasone and prednisolone are potent steroids that are usually 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 (including osteoporosis), an increased risk of infections and Cushing’s syndrome (a round face or ‘moon face’ appearance and upper body obesity with thin limbs). 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 then cause fatigue, generalised weakness, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, fits or shock.
Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory painkiller that may potentially cause serious gastric bleeding, as well as cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke when used for a prolonged period. Diclofenac should be used under close medical supervision, especially in consumers with underlying heart conditions.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/hsa-alert-setia-herba-detected-to-contain-potent-steroids-and-anti-inflammatory-painkiller
In Hong Kong, the above product is not a registered pharmaceutical product.
Ends/Thursday, Apr 3, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:15
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