HSA Alert: 'Nuvitra' and 'Becoli' Sold Online Found to Contain Banned Substance and Potent Laxatives

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume two slimming products ‘Nuvitra’ and ‘BeColi’ sold online as they pose a serious health risk. HSA tested the products and found that they contain a banned substance, sibutramine, and potent laxatives:

Name of product

Undeclared potent ingredients found

Nuvitra
  • Sibutramine
  • Sennosides

BeColi
  • Sibutramine
  • Sennosides
  • Bisacodyl

Please refer to Annex A of the pdf version for pictures of the products.

2    ‘Nuvitra’ and ‘BeColi’ were marketed by NKD Singapore online as supplements for slimming, with claims that weight loss can be achieved within a short period of time. ‘Nuvitra’ (also marketed as ‘Nuvitra King Diet’) was also sold on various local online platforms by other sellers. HSA has directed NKD Singapore to stop the sale of these products, and the administrators of online sales platforms to remove web listings of the products. The company is assisting HSA in its investigations.

Potent ingredients found in these products

3    Sibutramine, which was detected in both products, was previously available as a prescription-only weight loss drug. It has been withdrawn from Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other serious adverse effects associated with its use include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations and mood swings. HSA had previously received adverse effect reports about consumers experiencing hallucinations or hearing voices, palpitations and breathlessness after consuming slimming products which were adulterated with sibutramine.

4    Sennosides and bisacodyl are laxatives that are used for the relief of constipation. Adverse effects associated with the use of such laxatives include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Prolonged use may cause watery diarrhoea and lead to fluid and electrolyte abnormalities and colonic atony (lack of muscle strength in the large intestine that may result in chronic constipation).

Advisory to consumers

5    Consumers are advised to:

  • Stop taking ‘Nuvitra’ or ‘BeColi’ immediately, and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health.
  • Be wary of health products that promise or deliver quick and miraculous weight loss. Such products may contain prescription medicines which should only be taken under medical supervision, or undeclared potent or banned ingredients that may seriously harm your health. Do not gamble with your health.
  • Do not trust online product reviews, as these testimonials usually cannot be verified.
  • Exercise caution when purchasing health products online. Anyone can be a seller on these e-commerce platforms. You cannot be certain where and how these products were made. They could potentially be counterfeits or adulterated with undeclared potent or banned ingredients which can seriously harm your health.

Advisory to sellers and suppliers

6    Sellers and suppliers must stop selling ‘Nuvitra’ and ‘BeColi’ immediately.

  • These are illegal products which contain a banned substance and undeclared potent western medicinal ingredients.
  • Anyone who supplies illegal health products is liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 3 years and/or fined up to $100,000.

7    Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
31 MAY 2018

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