HSA updates on products found overseas that contain potent ingredients (March 2025)
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in March 2025 to contain potent ingredients which are not allowed in these products and may cause side effects. This information is provided to increase awareness on safety issues of such products found overseas, which may impact the local population. Please refer to Annex A and Annex B for the list of products and the possible side effects of the potent ingredients. Please refer to the pdf document for images of the products.
HSA’s Advisory
2 Members of the public are advised to:
- Consult a doctor if you have consumed any of the products and are feeling unwell.
- Avoid buying any of the products when abroad.
- Exercise caution when purchasing health products online or from sources (either local or overseas) which you may not be familiar with, even if well-meaning friends or relatives have recommended them. You cannot be certain where and how these products were made. They may be illegal, counterfeit or substandard, and may contain potent ingredients which can harm your health. If buying health products online, we encourage you to buy them from websites with an established retail presence in Singapore.
- Be wary of products that promise quick and miraculous results or carry exaggerated claims like “100% safe”, “no side effects” or “scientifically proven”. Consumers should also be cautious of products that produce unexpected quick recovery of medical conditions.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need help for the management of your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, eczema).
3 Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to visit https://www.hsa.gov.sg/consumer-safety/ to learn more about the dangers of buying health products from dubious sources.
4 Members of the public who come across the sale and supply of these products in Singapore may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866 3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
Annex A
List of Products
Note: There may be different versions or variants of the products listed below. You are advised to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of any health product you intend to use, or if you need help for your acute and chronic medical symptoms and conditions
| Name of product | Potent ingredient(s) | Source
(Regulatory Agency) |
|---|
| 3 Slim | Sibutramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| 3800 Hard Rock | Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Africa Black Ant Platinum | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| AK Forte | Acetaminophen and Diclofenac | United States Food & Drug Administration |
| Asam Urat Pegal Linu Cap Bunga Matahari | Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Bang Maximum Power | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Beruang / Beruang Hitam | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Black Bull Extreme | Sildenafil and Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Chang San | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Chang San Black X | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Chang SanX | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| FF Slimming Herbal | Amphetamine, Bisacodyl, Fenfluramine, Frusemide, Phenolphthalein and Sibutramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Gan Mao Tong | Chlorpheniramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Gatot K-CA | Paracetamol, Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Gatot K-CA | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Ginseng 2000 | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Go SLIM | Sibutramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Goro-Goro X-tra | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Hajar Jahanam | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Herbasam | Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Jīn chán qīng xuè zhǐ yǎng wán | Chlorpheniramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Kalajengking-X (Scorpio-X) | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Kapsul BAPAK Super Greng | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Kapsul Kuat dan Tahan Lama Kuda Arab | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Kayu Lanang Ceng ! Plus | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Libido Super | Paracetamol and Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Madu Lanang | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Magnum Gold 24K | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Magnum XXL 9800 | Levodopa, Prasterone | Health Canada |
| Magnum XXL Platinum 750K | Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Margaritae Cough Capsules | Chlorpheniramine and Promethazine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Miao Jia Zu Dai Fu Yi Jun Ru Gao | Miconazole | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| New Cobra Mas | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| New Rhino 69 Extreme 500K (1 capsule) | Levodopa and Prasterone | Health Canada |
| New Rhino 69 Extreme 500K (2 capsules) | Levodopa and Prasterone | Health Canada |
| New Rhino 7 Platinum 900K | Levodopa and Prasterone | Health Canada |
| Nio Xuang Wan | Dexamethasone, Chlorpheniramine and Cyproheptadine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| One man Plus | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Pil Gairah | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Plangsing Plakor | Sibutramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Premium Pro Power 3500 | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Rajawali | Dexamethasone, Phenylbutazone | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Ramuan Pak Kumis | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Rén Shēn Fēi Guǎi Yuán Qiàn Wán | Dexamethasone | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Rhino 12 Platinum 600K | Sildenafil and Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 25 Platinum 25000 | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 1100K | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Extreme 35000 | Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Extreme 990K | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Platinum 35000 | Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Platinum 700K | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 7 Platinum 10000 | Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Rhino 7 Platinum 5000 | Sildenafil | Health Canada |
| Shēn jīn cǎo / Lycopodium Clavatum L Pills | Chlorpheniramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Shen Ling Asam Urat | Dexamethasone | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Slim & Shape Herbal Pelangsing dan Penurunan Berat Badan Herbal | Sibutramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Spanish Fly 20,000 | Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Spanish Fly 22,000 | Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Spider | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Stiff Rox | Sildenafil and Tadalafil | Health Canada |
| Susu Belut | Dexamethasone | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Tawon Liar | Allopurinol and Dexamethasone | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Tawon Liar | Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| TO Slim | Sibutramine | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Tongkat Jantan | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| UM Gold Ekstra Strong | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Unnamed Slimming Products containing Thai, Chinese, English Characters | Frusemide, Metformin and Thyroxine | Hong Kong Department of Health |
| Urat Jantan | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Urat Kuda | Sildenafil | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Viagra-X | Sildenafil and Paracetamol | Indonesian Food and Drug Authority |
| Vitality Capsules | Sildenafil and Tadalafil | United States Food & Drug Administration |
Annex B
The possible side effects of the potent ingredients
Acetaminophen / Paracetamol
Paracetamol is used for relieving pain, headache and fever. Products which contain paracetamol but do not have this declared on the label pose a danger to consumers as accidental overdose can result in liver damage.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is a prescription medicine used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. Inappropriate use of allopurinol without medical supervision may cause skin rashes, diarrhoea, nausea and drowsiness. Serious skin reactions, reduced blood count and/or liver disorder may occur in rare instances.
Amphetamine
Amphetamine is a controlled drug and is used for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. It has a high potential for abuse and may lead to the development of a substance use disorder. Consumption and misuse of amphetamine can result in overdose and death
Bisacodyl
Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation. The use of bisacodyl has been associated with side effects including abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea.
Chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergic reactions such as hives and rhinitis. It should be used under medical supervision. Side effects from the use of chlorpheniramine include drowsiness, blurred vision, vomiting, constipation and poor coordination.
Cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms. Side effects associated with its use include weight gain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a potent steroid that is usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision. Long term use of an oral steroid without medical supervision can cause high blood pressure, cataracts, an increased risk of infections, and Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by the appearance of round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs). Discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.
Fenfluramine
Fenfluramine was a medicine used in the treatment of obesity. Fenfluramine was withdrawn from use since 1997 after its use was associated with heart valve disease.
Frusemide
Frusemide is a prescription medicine used to eliminate water and salt from the body and should be used under medical supervision. The side effects associated with its use include loss of appetite and low blood pressure. When taken in excess, the ‘water-eliminating’ effect of frusemide can cause the depletion of sodium, chloride, body water and other minerals in the body.
Levothyroxine (thyroxine)
Levothyroxine is a prescription-only-medicine used for the treatment of hypothyroidism. In the case of overdose, signs of hyperthyroidism may appear such as tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, insomnia, tremors etc. Improper dosing of thyroid hormone is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. While some individuals taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism may experience weight loss as their thyroid function improves, it is not a medication indicated for weight reduction and should not be used for that purpose, especially by those with normal thyroid function.
Metformin
Metformin is a prescription medicine for the treatment of diabetes and should be used under medical supervision. Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain. An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis, which can be fatal.
Miconazole
Miconazole is a medicine used to treat fungal infections. Side effects from inappropriate use of creams containing miconazole include burning, stinging, swelling, irritation, redness and flaking of the skin.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory medications used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Their prolonged use may potentially cause serious gastric bleeding, nausea, high blood pressure and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. They should be used under close medical supervision, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions, stomach bleeding and ulceration. Examples include aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, phenylbutazone and piroxicam.
Phenolphthalein
Phenolphthalein may cause kidney disorders and has been found in animal studies to be associated with cancer. It may also cause breathing difficulties, rashes and abdominal cramps.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors
This class of medicine includes avanafil, carbodenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and their derivatives. These medicines can cause serious side effects such as strokes, heart attacks, decreased or loss of vision and hearing and priapism (painful and exceedingly long erections). If priapism is not treated immediately, it may lead to permanent impotence. PDE-5 inhibitors are also not suitable for patients with medical conditions such as certain heart-related problems or who are on heart medications such as nitrates. Deaths of patients found to be using sildenafil while on nitrates have been reported overseas.
Promethazine
Promethazine, an antihistamine, is used for the treatment of motion sickness, allergic reaction, nausea and vomiting. Promethazine should not be used in children younger than 2 years old due to the potential for respiratory depression. Side effects of promethazine include confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness and dry mouth.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine, previously a prescription weight loss medicine used in the treatment of obesity, has been disallowed for sale in Singapore since 2010 due to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The use of sibutramine has been associated with serious side effects, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations, and mood swings.
Download PDF: HSA Foreign Alert_2025_March
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