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

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in May 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)
Alpiflor Tea	Sibutramine	Switzerland Swissmedic
Alpiflor Tea / Time to detox	Sibutramine and  Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Boneafide Shred	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Boners Libido Performa	Nortadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Black Ant	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Bull Male Sexual Enhancer 2500	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Cherry Detox tea	Fluoxetine and Phenolphthalein	Switzerland Swissmedic
Chemix Energy	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Epimedyumlu Macum (Paste)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Esillaa Elma-Apple	Lidocaine and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Esillaa Live beautiful	Sibutramine	Switzerland Swissmedic
Esillaa Mango	Lidocaine and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Festal chocolate bar	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
FLASHH Night Cream	Hydroquinone	Malaysia National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency
FLASHH Treatment Cream	Mercury	Malaysia National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency
Genone Laboratories Oxy Lean	Rauwolscine	Health Canada
Gold Rhino Extreme 188K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Gorilla / Tigra Blue	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Happy Night Energy Chocolate	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
HAVYCO-Vy &Tea	Sibutramine	Switzerland Swissmedic
Hilti gold (capsules)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Hilti gold (Paste)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Iron Brothers Thermo Burn	Yohimbe	Health Canada
Imperia Elita Vitaccino	Sibutramine	Switzerland Swissmedic
Kone Tokyo Japan	Mercury	Cambodia Ministry of Health
Li Da	Fluoxetine	Switzerland Swissmedic
Libido Forte	Nortadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Liquid XXX plus	Hydroxy-thiohomo-sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Magnum Male Sexual Enhancement XXL 1000K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Magnum Gold 24K	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
MAGNUM XXL 9800	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Maxman	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Members Only Sexual Performance Supplement	Methandroste-nolone and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Miel du Soudan Aphrodisiaque	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
MV7 Days Extreme 3500	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
MV7 Days Power Gummy	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
MYO-BURN	Yohimbine	Health Canada
MYO-CARD	Cardarine  (GW-501516)	Health Canada
MYO-HER	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-HGH	Ibutamoren (MK-677)	Health Canada
MYO-LGD	Ligandrol (LGD-4033)	Health Canada
MYO-RAD	Testolone (RAD-140)	Health Canada
MYO-SLEEP	Ibutamoren (MK-677)	Health Canada
MYO-SR	Cardarine (SR-9009)	Health Canada
MYO-STA	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-S4	Andarine	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Blue Raspberry)	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Fruit Punch)	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Fuzzy Peach)	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Grape Candy)	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Pineapple Mango)	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Sour Gummies)	Ostarine (MK-2866)	Health Canada
MYO-YK	Myostine (YK-11)	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Limited Gangster Series), Blueberry Pomegranate	Cardarine (GW-501516) and Yohimbine	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Limited Gangster Series) (Watermelon)	Cardarine (GW-501516) and Yohimbine	Health Canada
MYO-TKO (Limited Gangster Series) (Cherry Cola)	Cardarine (GW-501516) and Yohimbine	Health Canada
NewQueen	Sibutramine	Switzerland Swissmedic
Oh Baby! Platinum 11000mg	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Oral product – no English name	Dexamethasone and Indomethacin	Hong Kong Department of Health
Pillkings Plus 99K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Protecvital plus	N-phenyl propoxyphenyl carbodenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Pussykilla	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Switzerland Swissmedic
Puteri Ratu Treatment Cream	Mercury	Malaysia National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency
Raw Ignite	Rauwolscine	Health Canada
Recharged Blue Rhino 79 Extreme 188K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Red Woody / Tigra Red	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Red Devil	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 79 Extreme 188K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
RYX Skin Sincerity Clear Bomb Advanced Exfoliating Toner	Hydroquinone	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
RYX Skin Sincerity Beyouthiful Starter Kit Day & Night Rejuvenating Toner	Hydroquinone	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Stiff Rox	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Teff Tohumlu Cay Mixed Herbal Tea	Phenolphthalein Sennoside and Sibutramine	Switzerland Swissmedic
VIP Golden Royal Honey	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Switzerland Swissmedic
X7 Plus	Phenolphthalein and Sibutramine	Switzerland Swissmedic
5 Day Forecast 1600mg	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada

 

Annex B

The possible side effects of the potent ingredients

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.

 

Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a prescription medicine used to treat conditions including depression and eating disorders, and it should be used under medical supervision. The use of fluoxetine has been associated with side effects including headaches, insomnia, palpitations and dizziness.

 

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.

 

Indomethacin

Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Its prolonged use may potentially cause serious gastric bleeding, nausea, high blood pressure and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It should be used under close medical supervision, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions, stomach bleeding and ulceration.

 

Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a medicine used to decrease or eliminate the feeling of pain. The inappropriate use of products with high concentrations of lidocaine can cause low blood pressure and dizziness.

 

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.

 

Methandrostenolone

Methandrostenolone is an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are not approved for use to increase muscle mass or boost athletic performance. Taking anabolic steroids without medical supervision can be dangerous as they can cause serious side effects such as insomnia, irritability, aggressive behaviour, hypertension, liver cancer, development of prominent breasts in men and impotence. In women, they can cause male characteristics such as an increase in facial hair growth, male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice and menstrual irregularities.

 

Phenolphthalein

Phenolphthalein may cause kidney disorders and has been found in animal studies to be associated with cancer. It may also cause breathing difficulties, rashes and abdominal cramps.

 

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

This class of medicine includes hydroxythiohomosildenafil, N-phenylpropoxyphenyl-carbodenafil, nortadalafil, 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.

 

Rauwolscine (also known as alpha-yohimbine)

Rauwolscine (also known as alpha-yohimbine) is one of the many chemical compounds found in the Rauwolfia plant. The use of Rauwolfia has been associated with low blood pressure, dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat and breathlessness. Depression or worsening depression has been reported with the use of Rauwolfia.

 

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are chemicals that mimic the effects of the male hormone, testosterone. Some of these chemicals are still undergoing research and no SARMs has been approved for clinical use in humans. Using such chemicals can be dangerous as not all their side effects are known. The possible side effects may be similar to testosterone, such as insomnia, irritability, aggressive behaviour, hypertension, and impotence. Examples include andarine S4, cardarine (GW-501516; SR-9009), ibutamoren (MK-677), ligandrol (LDG-4033), myostine (YK-11), ostarine (MK-2866) and testolone (RAD-140).

 

Sennosides

Sennosides are laxatives which can cause diarrhoea, stomach discomfort and abdominal cramps. Long-term consumption may be unsafe and cause serious side effects like electrolyte imbalance from decreased potassium levels in the body.

 

Sibutramine

Sibutramine, previously a prescription weight loss medicine used in the treatment of obesity, has been disallowed for sale in Singapore since 2010 due to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The use of sibutramine has been associated with serious side effects, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations and mood swings.

 

Yohimbe / Yohimbine

Yohimbe is a bark extract from which a potent medicinal ingredient, Yohimbine, is derived. Side effects associated with yohimbe or yohimbine include insomnia, anxiety, palpitations (sensation of heart pounding, racing or skipped beats), sweating and blurred vision. Overdosage can cause low blood pressure, rapid heartbeats, seizures, paralysis and coma. Deaths from overdose have also been reported.

 

Download pdf: HSA Foreign Alert_2022_May1847 KB

Published: 22 Jul 2022

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