Other safety alerts
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| Singapore: HSA Alert: Woman hospitalised for serious skin reactions after taking Modafinil to improve alertness |
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to consume modafinil, a potent prescription medicine that is not registered locally without appropriate medical supervision. A woman in her 30s developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a life-threatening skin condition with blistering and severe peeling of the skin after taking modafinil (the name of the product appears to be “Modalert 200”). She obtained the product from her friend and was taking it on alternate days for more than three weeks to increase alertness for her long hours of work. She first developed an itchy rash which subsequently spread to the whole body. This was followed by severe peeling of the skin, accompanied with painful throat, multiple mouth ulcers and conjunctivitis (red eyes). She was admitted to a hospital for her condition.
Modafinil is available in some countries as a prescription drug that reduces excessive sleepiness associated with specific medical conditions such as narcolepsy. These patients experience excessive daytime sleepiness and a tendency to fall asleep suddenly in inappropriate situations.
There have been reports of students and adults taking modafinil for the purpose of improving alertness or as ‘cognitive enhancers’ (to improve focus and memory). Self-medication with modafinil for these purposes is not appropriate and can be harmful. Due to the stimulant effects it has on the brain, modafinil carries a potential risk of dependency. It can also cause serious side effects such as heart problems, hypertension, and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, hallucinations or mania. Serious skin reactions including SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have also been reported with the use of modafinil, and they can lead to hospitalisation, serious complications or even death. Those who recover may suffer from long-term side effects such as skin scarring and visual impairment including blindness. Other vital organs including the lungs may also be permanently affected.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/content/dam/../Modafinil%20PR_060218%20final.pdf
In Hong Kong, the above product is not a registered pharmaceutical product. There is also no registered pharmaceutical product containing modafinil.
Ends/Wednesday, Feb 7, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:00
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