The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued a warning on 25 March 2025 regarding four health products found to contain potent or banned substances. Three consumers have suffered adverse effects, with one individual requiring emergency surgery. These cases serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated health products and the importance of purchasing only from reputable sources.
Read the official press release here: HSA Alert – 25 March 2025
The Products in Question
The HSA tested the following four products and found undeclared ingredients:
- Tong Mai 9 Gu Jiao Rou (通脈9骨胶柔)
- Found to contain: Dexamethasone (a potent steroid) and Piroxicam (a painkiller)
- Source: Sold by a peddler at a coffeeshop in Ang Mo Kio
- Case: A man who used the product daily for two years for eczema developed Cushing’s syndrome and suffered a perforated gastric ulcer, requiring emergency surgery.
- EZ Empire Be Perfect
- Found to contain: Cyproheptadine (appetite stimulant) and Dexamethasone
- Source: Purchased from Shopee
- Case: A woman gained over 10kg after using it daily for weight gain and developed signs of steroid withdrawal after stopping the product.
- Re5hape hi Morning
- Found to contain: Sibutramine (a banned weight-loss drug)
- Source: Bought via Instagram, Shopee, and Carousell
- Case: Taken alongside “Re5hape bye Night,” a consumer experienced chest pains.
- Re5hape bye Night
- Found to contain: Sennosides (a laxative)
These products were deceptively marketed as natural or health supplements, and falsely labelled with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) logos.
Why This Matters
These ingredients can cause serious health complications, including high blood pressure, heart issues, internal bleeding, or long-term hormonal imbalances. Sibutramine has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to its links to heart attacks and strokes. Steroids like dexamethasone should only be used under medical supervision due to risks like Cushing’s syndrome, osteoporosis, diabetes, and immune suppression.
What You Can Do
- Avoid buying health products from unverified sources, especially online marketplaces.
- Look for reputable sellers and brands with a presence in Singapore.
- Be sceptical of products that promise fast or miraculous results.
- Report suspicious or dangerous products to HSA.
- Consult your doctor if you are using or have used any of these products. Do not stop steroid-containing products abruptly without medical supervision, as it may trigger dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
For more information or to report a product, visit the HSA’s Illegal Health Products Database or call 6866 3485.
Final Thoughts
This alert highlights the hidden dangers behind unregulated health and slimming products. Even when they appear to be “natural” or come with professional-looking packaging, they may contain potent pharmaceutical ingredients that can harm your health.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be vigilant and to prioritise safety over shortcuts.
Images: Health Sciences Authority
Melissa Fann
