The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has alerted members of the public not to purchase or consume two products: Traditional Herbs Preparation XPE and FS++ Slimming Supplements by JPJ Slim.
Both products were tested by HSA and found that one contained potent medicinal ingredients, while the other contained the banned substance sibutramine. These adulterants can cause serious adverse effects in individuals, which two consumers experienced and had alerted HSA accordingly.
Joint pain worsened upon reducing or stopping “Traditional Herbs Preparation XPE”
A woman in her 60s had been taking ‘Traditional Herbs Preparation XPE’ for over nine months to alleviate her joint pain. She received it from a friend who obtained it in Malaysia. The product label listed a variety of natural herbs as its ingredients and was marketed for general health. Although the consumer experienced a quick relief of her joint pain, it worsened when she stopped taking it or reduced the dose. This raised her doctor’s suspicion that the product may contain undeclared potent ingredients such as steroids or painkillers.
HSA tested the product and detected six medicinal ingredients: dexamethasone (a steroid), chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), lovastatin (a cholesterol-lowering medicine), chloramphenicol and tetracycline (both antibiotics). Long-term (i.e. more than 30 days) unsupervised use of steroids such as dexamethasone can cause increased blood glucose levels (which may lead to diabetes), Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by a round face or ‘moon face’ appearance, and upper body central obesity with thin limbs), and other serious adverse effects.
Banned substance in “FS++ Slimming Supplements” caused insomnia, headache and confusion
HSA received feedback from a consumer who experienced insomnia, headache and confusion after taking ‘FS++ Slimming Supplements By JPJ Slim’. The product was purchased via a local social media platform that carried consumer testimonials on its quick slimming results. It was packaged in a bottle labelled with minimal information – “60 capsules”, “Made in Thailand” and a website link. HSA tested the product and detected sibutramine, a weight loss medicine that has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The continued intake of this product could have led to serious health consequences such as heart problems and central nervous system disorders (e.g., psychosis and hallucinations). The product was also found to be sold by the same seller on other social media platforms. HSA has worked with the platform administrators to promptly remove the affected listings. Investigation against the seller is ongoing.
Advisory
HSA has advised consumers to see a doctor as soon as possible if “Traditional Herbs Preparation XPE” has been taken as discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure, especially if the product has been taken for more than a few weeks.
If you have purchased “FS++ Slimming Supplements”, please stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health.
Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products may contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: [email protected].
Image: HSA
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