KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 ― Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has deemed the sale of two traditional Chinese health products from Malaysia as illegal, according to Straits Times.
The news portal today said HSA declared Wan Ling Ren Sem Chin Kuo Pill and Chong Cao Dan as such after both products were found to contain traces of “undeclared potent Western medicinal ingredients”.
Taking such “medication” over a prolonged period, HSA said, can pose serious health risks.
“As the products contain a potent steroid, consumers who have taken these products should see a doctor as soon as possible.
“Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure,” HSA was quoted as saying.
The news report said the health products were promoted as Chinese medicine to help with conditions such as pain, numbness of the limbs and blood circulation.
Despite that, HSA’s tests showed that both products contained dexamethasone, a potent steroid, while Chong Cao Dan also contained frusemid, a diuretic that helps to remove excess fluid from the body and chlorpheniramine, an anti-histamine.
According to the news report, a woman in her 70s was hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit for breathing difficulties after consuming Wan Ling Ren Sem Chin Kuo Pill for five years.
Another woman, in her 60s, who took Chong Cao Dan for the past two to three years for blood circulation and muscle aches, fainted twice this year.
Those convicted of selling the complementary health products, HSA said, could be jailed up to three years or fined up to SG$100,000 (RM310,777) or both.
