HSA Allows Chinese Proprietary Medicines Containing Berberine For Sale in Singapore From 1 January 2013

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would be allowing the sale of Chinese Proprietary Medicines (CPM) containing berberine (小檗碱) in Singapore from 1 January 2013 following a prohibition of such sales since 1978. Over the past years, HSA, together with its expert committees, has been monitoring the situation and conducting ongoing scientific reviews on the safety profile of berberine. The latest review conducted by the Berberine Expert Panel indicates that there are no major safety concerns when berberine is used appropriately, under a controlled regulatory regime, but it should still be avoided in infants, G6PD deficient individuals of all ages, pregnant and breastfeeding women. With the lifting of the ban, HSA will continue to monitor the situation closely for any occurrence of adverse reactions and strongly encourages healthcare professionals to report any adverse reactions suspected to be related to berberine-containing products to us. Please refer to the letter for more details on berberine and berberine-containing Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs and formulas.