HSA Alerts Public to Eight Illegal Health Products Sold Online Which Contain Potent Western Medicinal Ingredients

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume eight illegal health products, which are available locally via the Internet and marketed as dietary and sports nutrition supplements. These products were found to contain potent western medicinal ingredients, which are not allowed in supplements sold in Singapore. These ingredients can cause serious adverse reactions when not taken under strict medical supervision. The products were detected through HSA’s ongoing surveillance of Internet sales activities, and our investigations show that some consumers in Singapore may have bought the products online. A number of sellers are currently assisting HSA with investigations.

2    These eight products were marketed for energy boosting, muscle building, or weight loss purposes. They are:  

No.	Names of products	Potent western medicinal ingredients found
1	Nutrex Research Lipo 6 Black Ultra Concentrate	Yohimbine
2	Nutrex Research Lipo 6 Unlimited
3	Primaforce Yohimbine HCL
4	Muscletech Neurocore Grape / Muscletech Neurocore Fruit Punch	Yohimbine and deanol
5	Muscletech Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite	Yohimbine and raubasine
6	Xenadrine XT Xtreme Thermogenic	Yohimbine and raubasine
7	BSN N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Advanced Strength	Vinpocetine
8	Skinny 22”	Phenolphthalein

Please refer to Annex A of the pdf version for the pictures of the products. 

3    Seven of the eight products were found to contain yohimbine, raubasine, vinpocetine and deanol, which are not allowed to be present in health supplements that are sold locally. Yohimbine, raubasine¹, and vinpocetine are used in the treatment of circulatory problems, while deanol² has been used in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. The other product (Skinny 22”) was found to contain the undeclared western medicinal ingredient phenolphthalein – a laxative used to treat constipation – despite claims that it contained only plant and fruit extracts. These medicinal ingredients may cause serious adverse reactions when consumed and should only be used under medical supervision.

Potential adverse reactions that these eight illegal products can cause

4    The western medicinal ingredients present in the eight products may cause serious adverse reactions and interact with other medications that consumers are taking. Possible adverse reactions associated with these ingredients are as follows:

(i) Yohimbine may cause insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, chest pain, sweating, blurred vision and high blood pressure;

(ii) Raubasine may cause gastric discomfort, dizziness, hypotension, confusion and rapid heartbeat;

(iii) Vinpocetine may cause facial flushing, decrease of blood pressure, dizziness, headache, insomnia, sleep disturbances and rapid heart rate;

(iv) Deanol may cause constipation, itching, insomnia, restlessness, and headache; and

(v) Phenolphthalein may cause rashes, abdominal cramps, breathing difficulties and kidney disorders.

Consumer advisory

5    Any members of the public who are consuming these products are advised to:

I. Stop using these products immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell.

II. Exercise caution when purchasing health products, and obtain them from reliable and reputable sources locally. The dangers of online purchase include the lack of information on the sellers’ location, the source of their products and the conditions under which the products were manufactured and stored. You would have no idea what you are getting and how it will affect you. Products sold online could also potentially be counterfeit or adulterated with undeclared potent ingredients. Do not gamble with your health.

III. Be wary of health products with exaggerated claims like “rapid weight loss”, “guaranteed results” or “scientifically proven”. Online product reviews should be viewed cautiously, as these testimonials usually cannot be verified.

Additionally, please visit www.healthdangers.sg to learn more about the dangers of buying illegal health products from dubious sources.

Sale and supply of illegal products

6    Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products or other illegal products may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

7    HSA will take strong enforcement actions against those who engage in the sale and supply of illegal health products containing potent medicinal ingredients. Anyone convicted of selling these illegal products may face a penalty fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Poisons Act and a penalty fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Medicines Act.

_{[1] Raubasine has not been licensed for use in Singapore since June 2013.
[2] Deanol has never been licensed for use in Singapore.}

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
17 MARCH 2015

Download pdf version here1116 KB Published: 17 Mar 2015

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