Pain relief products purchased from dubious sources lead to serious health problems

Health products promising quick or miraculous results for chronic conditions are usually too good to be true. Many of these products claim to be made from all-natural ingredients and safe to use. However, they are usually tested to contain potent western medicinal ingredients such as steroids which should only be consumed under medical supervision, and should not be taken long-term.

If after taking the product, you feel unwell or experience quick results for chronic medical conditions (e.g., fast pain relief), see a doctor as soon as possible. Your products may contain ingredients that were illegally added to enhance their effects. For products from unfamiliar or dubious online sources, you would not be able to confirm what the product contains, or where and how they were made, even if they were recommended by friends or family. When purchasing health products, always rely on reputable sources.

Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician if you need help in managing your chronic medical conditions such as joint pain, arthritis and rheumatism.

Here is a selection of cases to illustrate the types of illegal health products that have been detected.

Unwanted troubles from health products from dubious sources

HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi

Two persons were hospitalised after taking “HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi”. They suffered acute kidney injuries and Cushing’s syndrome, a serious medical condition characterised by a round face or “moon face” appearance.

The product was marketed as a “traditional herbal supplement passed down through generations” to relieve multiple medical conditions including joint pain and gout. The product was also touted to be “steroid-free”, and a “genuine product” of “premium quality” to deceive consumers. It had been sold on local e-commerce and social media platforms, and local retail shops.

WAN LING REN SEM CHIN KUO PILL

A woman in her 70s suffered from adrenal insufficiency, a serious condition where the body does not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones, after consuming the "WAN LING REN SEM CHIN KUO PILL". She had severe difficulty in breathing and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The woman had purchased the product overseas and taken it daily for four to five years to relieve rheumatism and pain.

AUSBEE AUSTRALIA® AUSBEE Herbal Powder Capsules

Another woman in her 70s had consumed "AUSBEE AUSTRALIA® AUSBEE Herbal Powder Capsules" for about two years to relieve her back pain. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after suffering from complications and a severe drop in her blood pressure following surgery for a fracture. The woman had obtained the product from overseas through her friends.

The three products were tested by HSA to contain dexamethasone, a potent steroid. "HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi" was also tested to contain prednisolone (a potent steroid) and diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) which can cause serious adverse effects. In addition, "AUSBEE AUSTRALIA® AUSBEE Herbal Powder Capsules" contained undeclared antibiotics, a painkiller and an anti-allergy medicine which can cause serious adverse reactions and drug interactions.

Steroids are commonly added to dubious health products to deceive consumers that these products achieve fast pain relief and reduce swelling. However, these are potent medications which should only be taken under medical supervision. Inappropriate use of oral steroids can cause serious adverse effects. These include increased blood glucose levels (which may lead to diabetes), high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, an increased risk of infections and Cushing’s syndrome (a condition caused by prolonged ingestion of steroids, characterised by the appearance of round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs).

Sellers should note that it is illegal to sell and supply complementary health products (e.g. traditional medicines, health supplements) containing potent medicinal ingredients or banned substances. Anyone who supplies such health products is liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 3 years and/or fined up to $100,000.

You can help us combat adulterated, counterfeit and substandard health products. Report any suspicious sale or advertising of health products to HSA through e-mail or phone at 6866 3485.