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HSA Alerts Public to 'LONGRED Oyster-x' and 'LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT' Which Contained Undeclared Potent Ingredients and Caused Adverse Effects in a Patient
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19 October 2016
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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume two health products sold locally. The two products (see below) were tested to contain several undeclared potent ingredients, including prescription only medicines[1] which are disallowed in all complementary health products.
Table caption
No. | Name of product | Undeclared potent ingredients found |
|---|---|---|
1 | LONGRED Oyster-x | Chemical compound related to sildenafil |
2 | LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT | Chlorpheniramine Dexamethasone Diclofenac Paracetamol Piroxicam Sulphamethoxazole |
Please refer to Annex A of the pdf version for pictures of the products.
2 A male patient in his 60s took ‘LONGRED Oyster-x’ to prevent prostate problems, and ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’ for his leg pain and gout. Within a day, he experienced rapid pain relief. After a week, he developed severe gastric pain and facial swelling. He sought treatment from a general practitioner and has since recovered.
3 ‘LONGRED Oyster-x’ is labelled to contain oyster powder to improve circulation and promote health. ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’ purportedly contains a natural pain relief supplement blend to relieve gout, arthritis and aching joints. Both products were distributed by Paul Harrison International Pte Ltd, and were sold directly to consumers from their office in Ubi. Following HSA’s investigation and directive to the company, it has since stopped the sales of the products.
More about the undeclared potent ingredients found
4 The chemical compound found in ‘LONGRED Oyster-x’ is related to sildenafil, a potent prescription only medicine which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, and should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. This compound can cause serious adverse effects similar to sildenafil. Using it without proper medical supervision can cause decreased or loss of vision and hearing, low blood pressure and other cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks. In addition, sildenafil is not suitable for patients with medical conditions such as certain heart-related problems, or who are on heart medications such as nitrates. Fatalities have been reported overseas with the use of sildenafil in these patients.
5 Dexamethasone, one of the potent ingredients found in ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’, is a potent steroid usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions, and should only be used under strict medical supervision. Long term unsupervised use of an oral steroid can cause increased blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, an increased risk of infections, and Cushing’s syndrome (which is characterised by a round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs). Please refer to Annex B of the pdf version for information on the potential adverse effects of the other undeclared potent ingredients found in ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’.
Consumer Advisory
6 Members of the public who have purchased or are consuming any of these products are advised to:
Stop the use of ‘LONGRED Oyster-x’. Those who have taken the product should seek medical attention if they are feeling unwell or are concerned about their health.
Do not stop the use of ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’ immediately as sudden discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure, especially if they have been consumed for more than a few weeks. Consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Additionally, members of the public are advised to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need help for the management of your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions (e.g., joint pain or eczema). Be wary of any health products that produce rapid relief of pain and other medical conditions.
7 Paul Harrison International Pte Ltd, the local distributor of ‘LONGRED Oyster-x’ and ‘LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT’, is working with HSA to investigate this matter. Members of the public may wish to contact the company at Tel: 6635-8684 should they have any enquiries on product return.
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
19 OCTOBER 2016