The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore has warned people not to purchase two health products; ‘Ausbee Australia Ausbee Herbal Powder Capsules’ and ‘Shen Loon She Edoly Capsule’ containing potential steroids which is detrimental to health.
These health products contained several potent Western medicinal ingredients that are prohibited including ibuprofen, dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine.
“One consumer was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for serious unexpected post-surgery complications and another developed Cushing’s syndrome after consuming the products. Both products were taken for pain relief and were obtained from Malaysia,” said HSA in a press release issued today.
A woman in her 70s had been consuming ‘Ausbee Australia Ausbee Herbal Powder Capsules’ for about two years to relieve her back pain. She underwent surgery due to a fracture and suffered complications arising from an adrenal crisis which caused a severe drop in her blood pressure. She was admitted to the ICU.
The condition of the woman was subsequently traced to the long-term consumption of dexamethasone, a potent steroid present in the health product ‘Ausbee Australia Ausbee Herbal Powder Capsules’. In addition to the steroid, the product was adulterated with antibiotics, a painkiller and an anti-allergy drug which can cause serious adverse reactions and drug interactions.
Similarly, a Singaporean man in his 60s was taking ‘Shen Loon She Edoly Capsule’ to get relief from joint pain for almost a decade. He developed Cushing’s syndrome, a condition caused by long-term consumption of steroids. He had symptoms characteristic of this condition – skin thinning, large purplish bruises on the skin, high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose level. He is currently being treated for the condition.
Singaporean people have been advised to see a doctor as soon as possible if they have consumed any of the two above health products containing potent steroid.
The Health Authority has also warned that discontinuing steroids without proper medical supervision can cause “serious withdrawal symptoms” like fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure, especially if the products have been consumed for more than a few weeks.
“Be wary of health products that promise or produce quick and miraculous results for chronic conditions. Such products may contain hidden prescription medicines which should only be taken under medical supervision, or potent or banned ingredients that may harm you,” said HSA while issuing an advisory to the people.
HSA has also warned the sellers and suppliers to immediately stop selling of both the products.
“Anyone who supplies illegal health products is liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 3 years and/or fined up to SGD100,000,” said HSA.
“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 or email at hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.