Ren Sem Tu Chon Chin Kuo Pill [人参杜仲筋骨丸] and Huo Li Bao [活力宝] Found to Contain Undeclared Western Medicines

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) warns members of the public not to take two health products sold as traditional Chinese Medicines, which have been detected to contain potent western medicines. They are illegal adulterated products which are not approved by HSA and were labelled as the following:

i.REN SEM TU CHON CHIN KUO PILL [人参杜仲筋骨丸]

ii.HUO LI BAO [活力宝]

2      The two products were detected following adverse reaction reports submitted by vigilant doctors, who suspected that their patients had suffered adverse effects after taking them. Upon investigation, these products were found to contain undeclared western medicines by HSA's Pharmaceutical Laboratory. These products are bought from overseas and are not available for sale in the local retail outlets.

3      Ren Sem Tu Chon Chin Kuo Pill [人参杜仲筋骨丸] was found to contain dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine while Huo Li Bao [活力宝] was found to contain piroxicam, chlorpheniramine and frusemide. Members of the public, who have the above-mentioned products in their possession, should stop consuming them as these products can cause serious side effects especially in susceptible individuals.

About the Products and Adverse Reactions

i) Ren Sem Tu Chon Chin Kuo Pill [人参杜仲筋骨丸]

4      Two female patients aged 50 and 80 years old, suffered adverse effects after consuming 人参杜仲筋骨丸, Ren Sem Tu Chon Chin Kuo Pill, a product packaged in yellow labelled box containing round black pills and promoted as traditional Chinese medicine. The product was bought from overseas by the first patient and the second patient obtained it through a friend of the family.

5      The product is labelled for pain relief. The patients were taking the product for a period of 3 months to 2 years and experienced significant weight gain, swelling of lower limbs, muscle aches, increased urination and excessive thirst. These are signs and symptoms consistent with the symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome, which resulted from the prolonged unsupervised use of dexamethasone, a steroid which was one of the undeclared western medicines detected in this product. The patients have since stopped taking the product and are recovering after seeking medical attention. Refer to Annex for details on the adulterants- western medicines.

ii) Huo Li Bao [活力宝]

6      A 60 year old female patient was reported to have taken Huo Li Bao [活力宝], which was promoted as traditional Chinese medicine and packaged in green box containing green capsules packed in foiled blisters. She has been taking it for a few years intermittently to relieve painful inflammation of the knee. The patient suffered adverse effects of high blood pressure, low blood potassium level and suppressed hormonal response leading to low immunity. The patient has been treated and has since recovered.

Public Advisory

7      Consumers who have purchased Ren Sem Tu Chon Chon Kuo Pill [人参杜仲筋骨丸] and Huo Li Bao [活力宝] are advised not to consume these harmful products. If consumers have taken them, they should seek medical attention if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health.

8      Consumers are advised to be wary of traditional and complementary medicines that provide quick or rapid relief of chronic disease condition such as arthritic pain and diabetes, especially if these products claim to cure serious conditions. Such dubious health products have not been assessed by HSA and there is no guarantee of their safety.

9      Members of the public who have encountered these illegal products or any other suspicious products, are encouraged to report their sales to the Enforcement Branch of HSA at Tel: 6866 3485 or Email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
27 JUNE 2011

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Published: 27 Jun 2011

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