HSA updates on products found overseas that contain potent ingredients (June 2022)

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in June 2022 to contain potent ingredients which are not allowed in these products and may cause side effects. This information is provided to increase awareness on safety issues of such products found overseas, which may impact the local population. Please refer to Annex A and Annex B for the list of products and the possible side effects of the potent ingredients. Please refer to the pdf document for images of the products.

 

HSA’s Advisory

2          Members of the public are advised to:

• Consult a doctor if you have consumed any of the products and are feeling unwell.
• Avoid buying any of the products when abroad.
• Exercise caution when purchasing health products online or from sources (either local or overseas) which you may not be familiar with, even if well-meaning friends or relatives have recommended them. You cannot be certain where and how these products were made. They may be illegal, counterfeit or substandard, and may contain potent ingredients which can harm your health. If buying health products online, we encourage you to buy them from websites with an established retail presence in Singapore.
• Be wary of products that promise quick and miraculous results or carry exaggerated claims like “100% safe”, “no side effects” or “scientifically proven”. Consumers should also be cautious of products that produce unexpected quick recovery of medical conditions.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need help for the management of your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, eczema).

3          Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to visit https://www.hsa.gov.sg/consumer-safety/ to learn more about the dangers of buying health products from dubious sources.

4          Members of the public who come across the sale and supply of these products in Singapore may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866 3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

Annex A

List of Products

Note: There may be different versions or variants of the products listed below. You are advised to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of any health product you intend to use, or if you need help for your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions

Name of product	Potent ingredient(s)	Source (Regulatory Agency)
Aokeman Biaoge	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
AQ Active Serum	Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media	Indonesian Food and Drug Authority
Artri Ajo King Ortiga Omega 3 Joint Support Supplement ArtriKing Nettle Glucosamine Curcumin	Diclofenac	United States Food & Drug Administration
Artri Ajo King Enhanced Ortiga Omega 3 Curcuma Joint Supplement Nettle Glucosamine	Diclofenac	United States Food & Drug Administration
Artri King Reforzado con Ortiga y Omega 3	Dexamethasone and Diclofenac	United States Food & Drug Administration
ArtriKing Ortiga y Omega 3	Diclofenac	United States Food & Drug Administration
ARTRI KING Ortiga Omega 3 Joint Support Supplement ArtriKing Nettle	Diclofenac	United States Food & Drug Administration
Brilliant Skin Essentials Brilliant Rejuv Set	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Health Canada
Brilliant Skin Essentials Brilliant Rejuv Topical Cream	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Health Canada
Brilliant Skin Essentials Brilliant Rejuv Topical Solution (Toner) Skin lightening	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Health Canada
Chong Cao Lu Bian Wan	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Chong Cao Lu Bian Wong	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Chong Cao Shuang Shen	Acetaminophen and  Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Germany Black King Kong (De Guo Hei Jin Gang)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Germany Black Ants (Sheng Jing Pian)	Ciprofloxacin and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Go-Rilla capsule (blue)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Huayue nong - 7 Day Red The White Removing Cream	Mercury	Myanmar Food and Drug Administration
King Kung Fu	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Launch Sequence Aphrodisia Capsules	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	United States Food & Drug Administration
Launch Sequence Capsules	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	United States Food & Drug Administration
Launch Sequence Euphoria Capsules	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	United States Food & Drug Administration
Li Long Germany Black King Kong	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Lu Rong Sheng Jing Wan	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Lu Xie Shen Dan	Diclofenac, Glyburide and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Petic - (Lipstick with Vitamin E & Aloe Vera)	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Food and Drug Administration
Red Woody capsule (red)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Via Letvass - Eye shadow Palette	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Food and Drug Administration
Vigour 800	Ciprofloxacin and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada

 

Annex B

The possible side effects of the potent ingredients

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen or paracetamol is used for the relief of pain, headache and fever. Products which contain acetaminophen or paracetamol, but do not have this declared on the label, pose a danger to consumers as accidental overdose can result in liver damage.

 

Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is a prescription medicine and should be used under medical supervision. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and rash. Severe side effects include an increased risk of tendon rupture, hallucinations and nerve damage.

 

Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone is a potent steroid that is usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision. Long term use of an oral steroid without medical supervision can cause high blood pressure, cataracts, an increased risk of infections, and Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by the appearance of round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs). Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.

 

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a potent painkiller and may potentially cause cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as serious gastric bleeding, when used for a prolonged period. It should be used under close medical supervision, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions, stomach bleeding and ulceration.

 

Glyburide (also known as Glibenclamide)

Glyburide or glibenclamide is a prescription medicine used to treat diabetes mellitus and should be used under medical supervision. Inappropriate use of glyburide or glibenclamide without medical supervision may cause severe low blood glucose which can cause seizures or coma. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and cholestatic jaundice.

 

Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media (HFCM)

Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media (HFCM) is a mix of growth factors derived from human fibroblast stem cells. Under the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulation, cells, tissues or products of human origin are currently ingredients that must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products. HFCM derived products should be used under medical supervision as allergies, such as redness and swelling, may arise from their use. Studies have also shown that fibroblast conditioned media promotes the growth of cancerous sarcoma cells.

 

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a potent ingredient used in prescription medicines for the treatment of skin conditions. The ingredient is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products and should only be used under medical supervision, as hydroquinone may cause harmful effects if not used properly. The inappropriate use of hydroquinone could result in changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity reactions such as rashes, redness, tingling and burning of skin.

 

Mercury

Mercury is a toxic substance and is prohibited for use as an ingredient in cosmetic products. Regular application of creams containing mercury could lead to rash, skin discolouration and blotching. Chronic exposure to very high levels of mercury in cosmetic products may also cause toxic effects to the kidneys, digestive and nervous system, as it can be absorbed through the skin. This could lead to organ damage.

 

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

This class of medicine includes sildenafil and tadalafil. These medicines can cause serious side effects such as strokes, heart attacks, decreased or loss of vision and hearing and priapism (painful and exceedingly long erections). If priapism is not treated immediately, it may lead to permanent impotence. PDE-5 inhibitors are also not suitable for patients with medical conditions such as certain heart-related problems or who are on heart medications such as nitrates. Deaths of patients found to be using Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) while on nitrates have been reported overseas.

 

Rhodamine B

Rhodamine B is a dye used for printing and dyeing of textiles, paper, paints and leathers. It is prohibited to be used in health products, including cosmetic products, as it may be carcinogenic. It can cause side effects, such as irritation, when in contact with the skin and eyes. Cases of permanent injury to the eye and chemical conjunctivitis due to exposure to the dye have been documented. When ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

 

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a potent ingredient used in prescription medicines for the treatment of skin conditions and should be used under medical supervision. The ingredient is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products. Inappropriate use of tretinoin could lead to side effects such as redness and peeling of skin.

 

Download pdf: HSA Foreign Alert_2022_June992 KB

Published: 22 Jul 2022

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