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Tip 1 • Know the CPM and read the labels
Read the product insert and package so that you know what it contains and its purpose. Do not buy the product if you do not understand the product label or how to take the product safely. It is always best to talk to a medical professional if you need to clarify anything about the product. Under the HSA's regulatory requirements, all CPM must be labelled in English and to include important information such as the product's trade/brand name, product name, batch number, expiry date, active ingredients, and dosage. The labels must also include a bilingual advisory note to consumers.
There should be no claims on serious medical conditions stipulated under the law, such as cancer and diabetes. This is because serious medical conditions need prompt and professional medical attention rather than relying on selfmedication of CPM.
Tip 2 • Beware of ‘safety claims' that the product is 100% safe and does not interfere with Western medicine
Be wary of marketing claims like the following:
• “This product is 100% safe because it is natural”: Even common herbs can cause allergic reactions in some people. Also, different people may react differently to the same product.
• “CPM do not interfere with Western medicines”:
Currently, most CPM ingredients have not been tested worldwide to find out if they interact with Western Medicines, other traditional medicines or health supplements. If you are currently on any medication, do talk to your doctor if you are planning to take a CPM product as well.
There should be no claims on serious medical conditions stipulated under the law, such as cancer and diabetes. This is because serious medical conditions need prompt and professional medical attention rather than relying on self-medication of CPM.
Tip 3 • Remember that a long history is not always a proof of safety
• Due to the emergence of innovative CPM with formula which may deviate from historical TCM practice, as well as possible contamination in the products, a long history of use in TCM practice may not always serve as evidence of absolute safety of all CPM. In addition, different people may react differently to the same product.
Tip 4 • Expectant and breastfeeding mothers, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses should exercise more caution
• Expectant and breastfeeding mothers, children and the elderly, as well as individuals with chronic illnesses should exercise caution when using CPM. CPM carry information on the documented side effects (e.g. nausea, vomiting) and contraindications (e.g. pregnancy, lactation) on their product labels for consumers to make an informed choice when purchasing these products. When in doubt, talk to a medical professional if you are planning to take a CPM
Tip 5 • Do not buy CPM from dubious sources
• Do not buy a CPM product locally if it has not been approved by the HSA. When in doubt, you can check with the product supplier, or do a search on the approved CPM in Singapore at the following HSA webpage:
http://eservice.hsa.gov.sg/Search_CPM
• Please do not put yourself at risk by purchasing unapproved products from the Internet, mail orders or makeshift stalls. Be wary when buying CPM when you are overseas too. Not only will it be difficult for you to contact the sellers should problems arise with the product, you may also not be able to determine the reputation of the dealer nor be sure of the quality of the products sold.
• In today's borderless and globalised world, the concern about the international trade of poor quality health products, including illegal CPM, by unscrupulous manufacturers and dealers is very real. These products are likely to be manufactured illegally in underground factories without quality control. Tests by HSA on such illegal products have shown that individual pills sold in the same bottle or packet could well contain different variable amounts of ingredients or wrong ingredients. They may also be contaminated with banned toxic substances. Because of poor quality controls, the actual amounts of ingredients in each tablet may also be inconsistent, varying from batch to batch or even within the same bottle.
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Under the current CPM regulatory system, all local CPM dealers (i.e. importers, manufacturers, wholesalers and re-packers) must be licensed by HSA, and dealers must obtain CPM product approvals before they can import, manufacture or sell the products in Singapore.
In order to obtain product approvals, dealers must meet relevant safety and quality requirements for their CPM. For example, dealers must ensure that the products they deal in do not contain any potent/toxic substances controlled under the Poisons Act, any synthetic chemical compounds found in Western medicines, excessive levels of toxic heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, mercury, lead) and microbial contamination. These regulatory standards and requirements supplement the dealers' responsibilities for their products, thus serve to enhance consumers' safety.
To find out more about HSA's Role in Ensuring the Safety of CPM, please go to:
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What should I do when problems arise?
You can also get in touch with the HSA at Tel: 1800 2130 800 or Email: hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg.
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