Products found to contain undeclared medicines
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| Singapore: Elderly woman developed Cushing’s syndrome after taking herbal product with strong steroid |
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) warns members of the public against purchasing or consuming “黄牛木中风青草药 (Huang Niu Mu Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao)”. The product has been tested by HSA and was found to contain dexamethasone, a potent steroid. An elderly woman developed Cushing’s syndrome, a serious medical condition, after consuming the product obtained from Malaysia. Anyone who has taken it is advised to see their doctor immediately.
The woman, who is in her 70s, obtained “黄牛木中风青草药 (Huang Niu Mu Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao)” through a relative, who in turn obtained it through a friend in Malaysia. She took the product for two months for her joint pain. During a routine health check, her doctor observed signs of Cushing’s syndrome, with characteristics of a rounded “moon face” appearance and abnormal fat accumulation above her collarbone. A laboratory test also revealed that she had a low cortisol level, which is likely caused by the steroid in the product suppressing the body's natural cortisol production. This could lead to adrenal insufficiency, a serious medical condition. The woman’s doctor suspected that the product was adulterated and reported the case to HSA. The woman has since recovered after stopping use of the product.
The product was also found to be sold on the local e-commerce platform Shopee. HSA has worked with the platform to remove the listings and has directed the sellers to stop selling the product immediately.
The product “黄牛木中风青草药 (Huang Niu Mu Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao)” was labelled as a herbal product and claimed to treat skin conditions, breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, liver and kidney diseases. However, HSA tested the product and found that it contained a potent steroid, dexamethasone, which is a prescription medication usually used to treat inflammation. It should only be used under strict medical supervision.
Long-term unsupervised use of steroids like dexamethasone can cause increased blood sugar levels which may 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 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.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/elderly-woman-cushings-syndrome-strong-steroid
In Hong Kong, the above product is not a registered pharmaceutical product.
Ends/Thursday, May 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:45
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