HSA Alert: Weight Loss Product Sold Online Found to Contain Banned Substance and Potent Medicinal Ingredients

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) warns members of the public against purchasing or consuming “Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set”. As part of HSA’s ongoing online surveillance, the product was tested and found to contain a banned substance, sibutramine, and five potent medicinal ingredients ꟷ amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, fluoxetine, orlistat and bisacodyl, most of which are found in prescription-only or pharmacy-only medicines. These ingredients could cause a range of health issues, including insomnia, headaches, diarrhoea, nausea, mood swings, and risk of heart attacks. Consumers who have taken “Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set” are advised to stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor if they feel unwell.

2       The product was marketed on local e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada for weight loss purposes. The product claimed to contain vitamins and natural ingredients such as cinnamon to help with appetite control, detoxification, fat-burning and boosting metabolism. It was sold as a set of four packets containing loose tablets and capsules, with instructions on the dosage to be taken in the morning and at night, printed in Thai. The packets were labelled as from “Dermcare clinic” with no product name or ingredients listed.

3       HSA has worked with the online platforms to remove the listings of the product. Investigations against the sellers, including one local, are ongoing.

4       Please refer to Annex A for photos of the product.

Harmful Banned Substance and Potent Medicinal Ingredients in “Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set”

5       The banned substance and potent medicinal ingredients found in “Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set” can pose serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers. Four of the five potent medicinal ingredients are prescription-only or pharmacy-only medicines that should be used under supervision by a doctor or healthcare professional, for the treatment of specific medical conditions.

6       Sibutramine, previously a prescription-only 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.

7       Amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide are potent diuretics which remove excess fluid from the body and should be used only under medical supervision. The combination of these two diuretics can lead to an increased risk of adverse effects, including low blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and electrolyte imbalances.

8       Fluoxetine is a prescription-only medicine to treat depression and psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders, and should only be used under medical supervision. Adverse effects of fluoxetine include insomnia, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, diarrhoea and nausea.

9       Orlistat is a pharmacy-only medicine used in the management of obesity. This medicine should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Inappropriate use can cause headaches, abdominal pain, oily discharge from rectum, liquid stools, flatulence and fatigue.

10       Bisacodyl is a laxative which can cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Its prolonged use can harm intestinal function, resulting in chronic constipation.

Advisory to Consumers

11       Stop taking “Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set” immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health. There is no quick and easy way to lose weight. Weight control should be achieved through a combination of a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. If you need help managing your weight, please consult your doctor or dietitian.

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

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

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

• EXAMINE Claims: Be cautious and wary of products that claim to deliver quick and miraculous results or carry exaggerated claims. These may be tactics employed by unscrupulous manufacturers to deceive consumers into believing that their products are effective and safe. Such products may contain potent ingredients that could seriously harm your health.

• 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.

Advisory to Sellers and Suppliers

13       All sellers and suppliers must stop selling “Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set” immediately. HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with banned or potent ingredients. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 5 years and/or fined up to $50,000.

14       Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of illegal products may contact HSA at Tel: 6866 3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday), email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab) or online at http://www.go.gov.sg/hprg-feedback-form ↗ (opens in new tab).

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
8 SEPTEMBER 2026

ANNEX A

Photos of “Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set” tested by HSA to contain sibutramine, amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, fluoxetine, orlistat and bisacodyl

All photos are to be credited to the Health Sciences Authority, Singapore.

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