Singapore Bans 2 Malaysian Health Products Because They Contain Harmful Ingredients

According to a report by Straits Times yesterday, 2 November, Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) tested the two products recently and found that they contain undeclared Western medicinal ingredients. 

Both products were said to have been promoted as traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as pain, numbness of the limbs, and blood circulation. 

A test conducted by HSA revealed that both products contain dexamethasone, which is a potent steroid. Chong Cao Dan pills also has frusemide (which is usually used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring or kidney disease) and chlorpheniramine (an anti-allergy medicine). 

"The undeclared potent Western medicinal ingredients in the products can pose serious health risks to consumers, especially when taken over a prolonged period without medical supervision," explained HSA in a statement, as reported by Straits Times.   

It was reported that one of the women, who's in her 70s, had been taking the Wan Ling Ren Sem Chin Kuo Pill daily for the past five years to treat her rheumatism and pain. She was recently hospitalised and put in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to severe breathing difficulties.

The woman had adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones which can result in weakness in body, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, fits or shock.

Meanwhile, a 60-year-old woman who took Chong Cao Dan pills weekly for the past two to three years to treat problems with blood circulation and muscle aches fainted twice this year.

Straits Times said that the woman would experience pains if she stops taking the product and she has also developed Cushing's syndrome, a serious condition which occurs due to abnormally high levels of cortisol. Her high blood pressure had hiked up as well due to the prolonged consumption on steroids that is in the Chong Cao Dan pills. 

If found guilty, these sellers or suppliers could be jailed up to three years and/or fined no more than SGD100,000 (approximately RM311,100). 

Along with the statement, HSA also provided an advisory to consumers regarding health products: 

• As the products contain a potent steroid, consumers who have taken these products should see a doctor as soon as possible. Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, and low blood pressure;
• Be wary of health products that promise or produce quick and miraculous results for chronic conditions. Such products may contain hidden prescription medicines which should only be taken under medical supervision, or potent, or banned ingredients which may harm you;
• Be cautious when purchasing health products from unfamiliar sources, even if they are recommended by friends or relatives. No one can be certain what these products contain, and where and how they were made; 
• Consult your doctor or pharmacists to manage your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions (such as joint pain, arthritis, and rheumatism).