Products found to contain undeclared medicines
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| Singapore: HSA Alert: Infant hospitalised for serious adverse reaction after using Star Cream sold online for diaper rash |
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or use Star Cream (星星膏), which led to Cushing’s syndrome (a serious medical condition caused by prolonged use of steroids) in an infant. Contrary to its claims that it contained “all natural herbal extracts” and “no steroids”, HSA’s analysis of this product revealed that it contained two synthetic medicinal ingredients including a potent steroid.
A four-month-old infant, who had Star Cream applied on him for diaper rash since he was two weeks old, was hospitalised due to steroid toxicity. He presented with persistent vomiting, abnormal eye alignment (convergent squint) and a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on top of a baby’s skull), consistent with signs of increased brain pressure. Further investigations by the hospital confirmed the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome due to steroid toxicity. Although he has been discharged and is recovering at home, he will require long-term follow up to monitor the side effects of steroid toxicity.
The infant’s parents had bought Star Cream online following the recommendation of their confinement nanny. The product was marketed as a homemade cream containing natural herbal extracts, with antibacterial and antifungal properties and claimed to have “no steroids”. It was advertised to be “suitable for all skin types”, including skin conditions such as acne, eczema, mosquito bite, psoriasis and skin ringworms. There were also multiple consumer reviews on the e-commerce platforms regarding its quick relief of various chronic skin conditions.
HSA detected clobetasol propionate (a potent steroid) and ketoconazole (an antifungal) in several samples of the cream. These ingredients can pose serious health risks, especially in infants and children, if used without medical supervision. The seller is currently assisting HSA in its investigations.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/StarCream-infant-hospitalised-for-serious-adverse-reaction
In Hong Kong, the above product is not a registered pharmaceutical product.
Ends/Thursday, Jun 9, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:00
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