HSA Alerts Public to Adulterated Health Products Purchased Overseas That Have Caused Serious Adverse Reactions

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) alerts members of the public to two cases of patients suffering serious adverse reactions after consuming adulterated products (i.e. products which contain undeclared medicinal ingredients) for the relief of pain and gout. There was also a third case which involved a patient who experienced rapid relief of her migraine symptoms after taking another adulterated product. All three products were sold under the guise of herbal or traditional medicines. These products were obtained from overseas and are not approved by HSA.

Details of Adulterated Products and Adverse Reactions

2      Two patients in their 30s and 60s suffered serious adverse reactions of Cushing's syndrome after consuming GINSENG BAJI GU CI WAN（人参巴戟舒筋骨刺丸）and TU CHONG GINSENG WAN LE SEANG（杜仲人参万里香）respectively to relieve pain and gout. The cases were detected separately by an astute Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician and a doctor who subsequently reported them to HSA.

3      The third case involved a patient in her 50s who experienced rapid relief of her migraine symptoms after consuming X-TRACT NATURE which led the doctor to suspect possible adulteration of the product. X-TRACT NATURE and GINSENG BAJI GU CI WAN (人参巴戟舒筋骨刺丸）each carried a product registration number, purporting to be licensed from its country of origin, but which have both been verified by HSA to be faked.

4      Tests done at HSA's Pharmaceutical Laboratory confirmed that these capsules were adulterated with undeclared potent medicinal ingredients as follows:

Product	Undeclared medicinal ingredients
GINSENG BAJI GU CI WAN（人参巴戟舒筋骨刺丸）	Dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine
TU CHONG GINSENG WAN LE SEANG（杜仲人参万里香）	Dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine
X-TRACT NATURE	Prednisone, phenylbutazone, chlorpheniramine and paracetamol

5      The presence of potent steroids, i.e., dexamethasone and prednisone, in the products is of serious concern as they can cause serious adverse effects such as increased blood glucose leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, and eye, muscular and bone disorders. Sudden stopping of the consumption of these products can also cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and bowel obstruction, especially when these products are taken for more than a few weeks.

Public Advisory

6      Members of the public who have purchased the above products are advised not to consume them. Those who have consumed these products are advised to consult a medical practitioner as soon as possible and they should NOT stop taking the product abruptly as they contain potent steroids. Stopping steroids abruptly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms.

7      Associate Professor Chan Cheng Leng, Deputy Group Director, HSA's Health Products Regulation Group says, “The harmful effects of adulterated health products are real and evident from the many reports of adverse reactions that HSA received. Consumers are strongly advised against taking health products that offer quick relief for ailments such chronic pain from gout, arthritis and migraines. Often, these products contain potent medicinal ingredients that are not listed on the packaging. This is very dangerous for consumers who take these products. It is almost impossible for the consumer to tell from the packaging whether a product is adulterated or not and the best practice is to avoid buying and consuming these products. ”

8      Consumers are advised not to purchase these 3 illegal products if they should come across them. Members of the public and retailers who have encountered these illegal products or any other suspicious products are encouraged to report them to the Enforcement Branch of HSA at Tel: 6866 3485 or Email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
26 FEBRUARY 2013

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Published: 26 Feb 2013

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