HSA Alert: "HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi", a Herbal Product Detected to Contain Potent Steroids and Anti-Inflammatory Painkiller

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or use "HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi", a herbal product and to seek medical attention if they have consumed the product. HSA’s tests revealed that the product contained two potent steroids (dexamethasone and prednisolone) and an anti-inflammatory painkiller (diclofenac) which can cause serious adverse effects. Please refer to Annex A for photos of the product.

2   HSA tested “HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi”, following feedback from members of the public that the product unexpectedly provided instant pain relief and was similar to another adulterated product¹ which HSA had alerted the public in April this year. Over the past weeks, HSA has also received a few suspected adverse event reports associated with this product. These included serious events of acute kidney injuries and Cushing’s syndrome, a serious medical condition characterised by a round face or “moon face” appearance. Two patients were hospitalised earlier in November and have since been discharged. Review of these cases are ongoing. 

3   “HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi” was sold through various channels, including local e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Carousell and Lazada, social media platforms such as Tik Tok and local retail shops.  It is marketed as a “traditional herbal supplement passed down through generations” to relieve multiple medical conditions including joint pain and gout. The product was touted to be “steroid-free”, a “genuine product” of “premium quality” which could deceive consumers that the product was safe. HSA has worked with the local e-commerce platform administrators to remove listings of the product, and asked that they block or remove any future listings of the product.

5   Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory painkiller that should be used under close medical supervision, especially in consumers with underlying heart or kidney conditions. It can cause serious gastric bleeding, as well as cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke when used for a prolonged period, and can also worsen kidney function in patients with pre-existing kidney problems.

6   Consumers who have used "HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi” should seek medical attention immediately.

7   Consumers are advised to be ALERT when purchasing health products:

• AVOID Dubious Products: Steer clear of products from unknown or unverified sources, especially online - they may contain harmful ingredients.

• LOOK for Reputable Sellers: Only purchase from trusted pharmacies or well-known retailers with an established presence in Singapore.

• EXAMINE Claims: Be cautious and wary of products that claim to have miraculous results, or “no side effects”.

• REPORT Suspicious Products: Help protect others by reporting dangerous or dubious products to HSA.

• TRUST Medical Advice. Consult a healthcare professional if you need help managing your chronic medical conditions instead of risking your health with use of unfamiliar products.  

8   All sellers and suppliers must stop selling "HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi" immediately. HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with potent ingredients. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $10,000.

9   Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of 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.