HSA warns against taking health products that contain steroids, antibiotics

SINGAPORE: Three adulterated health products have been flagged by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) after they were found to contain potent medicinal ingredients, including steroids and antibiotics.

The public is urged not to buy or use Chun Tian Ran Cao Yao Natural Herbs, La Mu Cao Capsules and Special Skin Treatment, HSA said in a press release on Friday (May 3).

A woman developed Cushing's syndrome, which is a serious steroid-induced condition, after taking Chun Tian Ran Cao Yao Natural Herbs and a man developed discomfort in his eyes after consuming La Mu Cao Capsules, HSA added.

EYE DISCOMFORT

A man in his 70s took La Mu Cao Capsules, after purchasing it locally through a friend and observing the product's quick effect in relieving his wife's leg pain. 

A day after consuming the product, the man started to develop discomfort in his eyes. 

The capsules contained a dark brown powder and were packed in an unlabelled transparent bag.

The product also came with a leaflet printed in Chinese characters that claimed the capsules contained herbal ingredients including moringa seeds, cordyceps and panax ginseng. 

HSA found that the capsules contained several potent medicinal ingredients including prednisolone (steroid), amoxicillin (antibiotic), diclofenac (painkiller), and paracetamol (painkiller). 

"While the man only suffered from eye discomfort, the consequences of these potent ingredients in the capsules could have been worse," HSA said.

Unsupervised use of diclofenac can lead to damage and bleeding of the stomach," HSA said adding that it can also cause heart attacks and stroke when used for a prolonged period.

HSA also added that the inappropriate use of amoxicillin without medical supervision can lead to antibiotic resistance and decreased effectiveness.

Long-term unsupervised use of steroids can also cause increased blood sugar levels, which could lead to diabetes. It could also cause Cushing’s syndrome - a condition characterised by a round or "moon face" appearance.

In 2019, a woman in her 50s took similar-looking capsules and developed Cushing's syndrome.

Although it could not be determined if the product she bought from a peddler at a local market was the same as La Mu Cao Capsules, tests by HSA found that they contained similar ingredients.

CUSHING'S SYNDROME

A woman in her 50s developed Cushing's syndrome after taking Chun Tian Ran Cao Yao Natural Herbs for two months.

She purchased the product through a relative and took it for her general well-being, said HSA. 

"The product was labelled to be 'SGS approved' and 'suitable' to treat a wide range of conditions including knee pain, itchy skin, internal injury and stroke," HSA added. The product also claimed that it has "no steroid and mercury added".

However, HSA found the product to contain dexamethasone, a potent steroid. 

SPECIAL SKIN TREATMENT

HSA was alerted by a member of the public about a product called Special Skin Treat that was sold on touchskin.com.sg, a website that is now inactive. 

She had noticed a significant improvement in her children's eczema condition within five days of using the product, which was promoted to relieve skin conditions such as eczema. 

The cream claimed to contain natural ingredients that are safe for use on babies, young children, pregnant women and anyone with sensitive skin.

It also claimed that it did not contain steroids. 

However, HSA tested the product and found that the product contained clobetasol propionate, a potent steroid.

HSA has not detected the sale of Special Skin Treatment on local e-commerce platforms and investigation is ongoing.

Clobetasol propionate, dexamethasone and prednisolone are potent steroids that are usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions. 

"Creams containing such potent steroids for treatment of skin conditions should only be prescribed by doctors for use under medical supervision," HSA said. 

Discontinuation of such steroids without proper medical supervision can also lead to adrenal insufficiency, a serious condition where the body does not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones, resulting in fatigue, generalised weakness, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, fits or shock.

HSA also advised consumers to be wary of products that "promise miraculous effects" or make exaggerated claims of recovery from chronic medical conditions. 

Consumers should also be wary of products claiming to have "no side effects" as these products may contain potent ingredients that can be harmful to health. 

It reminded consumers to exercise caution when buying from unknown or unfamiliar sources, even from friends or relatives. Instead, they should only purchase health products from reputable pharmacies or retailers' websites as well as those with an established retail presence in Singapore.

"HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with banned substances, potent ingredients or toxic heavy metals beyond the allowable limits," said the authority.

If convicted, sellers and suppliers may be jailed for up to 3 years, fined up to S$100,000, or both.