HSA updates on products found overseas that contain potent ingredients (December 2024)
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in December 2024 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) |
| 7K | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Alien 2 Power Platinum 11000 | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Alien Power Platinum 11000 | Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Bang Maximum Power | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Black Bull 10000K | Paracetamol and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Blue Rhino 1000K | Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) and Mitragynine | Health Canada |
| Blue Rhino 5000K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Blue Rhino 20000K Trio | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Dynamint X Tablets | Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration |
| Force Forever | Diclofenac and Dexamethasone | US Food and Drug Administration |
| Fouzee SugarLin Herbal Formula | Glyburide and Metformin | US Food and Drug Administration |
| Gold Max Blue capsules | Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration |
| Gold Rhino Extreme 1000K | Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Ginseng Red 2000 | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Hi-rize | Nortadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Jet Blue 998111 | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Kangaroo | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Kangaroo Female Booster | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Kangaroo Violet | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Lucky Guy 750K | Paracetamol,
Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Lucky Guy Platinum 18000 | Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | United States Food and Drug Administration |
| Magnum XXL 9800 (black capsules) | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Magnum XXL 1000K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Magnum XXL 20000K Trio | Levofloxacin (Fluoroquinolone), Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor), Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein | Health Canada |
| Magnum XXL 500K | Levodopa and Prasterone | Health Canada |
| Makari De Suisse Active Intense Unify & Illuminate Dark Spot Corrector Serum | Clobetasol | United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency |
| Maxman tablets | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 Inhibitor) | Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration |
| Natural MiracleZEN Platinum 70000 | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | United States Food and Drug Administration |
| Nhan Sam Tuyet Lien Truy Phong Hoan Capsules | Furosemide, Dexamethasone and Chlorpheniramine | United States Food and Drug Administration |
| Perfect PremierZEN Gold 19000 | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Perfect PremierZEN Platinum 20000 | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Pink Pussycat | Hydroxythiohomosildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Pink Pussycat (bottle) | Acetaminophen and Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Pink Unicorn | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Platinum 10K | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Platinum Rhino 500K | Acetaminophen, Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Premier Love Platinum 22000 | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Premier Love Plus 24000 | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| ResErection (round bottle) | Metandienone
(Anabolic Steroid) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 13 Extreme 500K | Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 25 Titanium 500K | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 25 Fast Platinum 25000 | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Honey (pink) | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Platinum 700K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Titanium 990K | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 250K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 6000K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 6000K Double Shot | Acetaminophen and
Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 7000K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 20000K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 69 Platinum 700K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 7 20000K Trio | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 7 Platinum 10,000 | Tadalafil
(PDE 5- inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 7 Platinum 5000 | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 8 20000K Trio | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 11 Extreme 500K | Tadalafil
(PDE 5- inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino 13 Extreme 500K | Tadalafil
(PDE 5- inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino Rush 500 Trio 1000K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino X | Caffeine and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Rhino XL Extreme 60000 | Tadalafil
(PDE 5- inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| RIGIDRX | Tadalafil
(PDE 5- inhibitor) | United States Food and Drug Administration |
| Sahmerdan Epimedyumlu Macun | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Sausando cellulite pills | Furosemide and Sibutramine | Thailand Food and Drug Administration |
| Sensuva ON – Sex Drive for Him | DHEA | Health Canada |
| Sexual Performance Supplement | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Spanish Fly 20,000 | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| Stiff Rox | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| The Goat | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | US Food and Drug Administration |
| Tian Ma Tu Chung Seven Leave Ginseng | Diclofenac, Terbinafine and Paracetamol | Hong Kong The Department of Health |
| Titanium 12K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Titanium 12K T12K | Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) and Dapoxetine | Health Canada |
| Titanium 4000 | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| Titanium 4000+ | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| The Green Giant | Sildenafil and Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | Health Canada |
| VIP Go Rhino Gold 69K | Sildenafil
(PDE-5 inhibitor) | Health Canada |
| WILDMAN | Sildenafil, Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors), Sibutramine, Desmethyl sibutramine and Phenolphthalein | US Food and Drug Administration |
| X3 500K GOLD EDITION | Sildenafil, Tadalafil
(PDE-5 inhibitors) | US Food and Drug Administration |
Annex B
The possible side effects of the potent ingredients
Acetaminophen / Paracetamol
Acetaminophen or paracetamol is used for relieving pain, headache and fever. Products which contain acetaminophen or paracetamol, but do not have this declared on the label, pose a danger to consumers as accidental overdose can result in liver damage.
Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are not approved for use to increase muscle mass or boost athletic performance. Taking such medication without medical supervision can be dangerous as they can cause serious side effects such as insomnia, irritability, aggressive behaviour, hypertension, liver cancer, development of prominent breasts in men and impotence. In women, they can cause male characteristics such as an increase in facial hair growth, male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice and menstrual irregularities. Examples of anabolic steroids are Boldenone undecylenate, Drostanolone propionate, Methandrostenolone (Metandienone), Nandrolone decanoate, Oxandrolone and Testosterone compounds.
Caffeine
The inappropriate use of caffeine may lead to insomnia, agitation, restlessness, palpitations, and increased heart rate.
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.
Clobetasol propionate
Clobetasol propionate is a potent steroid that is usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision. Common side effects include skin irritation, pimples, redness and dry skin. Long term use without medical supervision can cause an increased risk of infections, allergic reactions and Cushing’s syndrome (characterised by the appearance of round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs).
Dapoxetine
Dapoxetine is a prescription medicine used to treat conditions including depression and eating disorders, and it should be used under medical supervision. The use of dapoxetine has been associated with side effects including headaches, insomnia, palpitations and dizziness.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – also known as Prasterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that could increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian and other hormone-sensitive cancers. Side effects may include serious cardiovascular disease, changes in fertility and sperm production, hair loss, voice deepening, insulin resistance, changes in menstrual pattern, liver dysfunction, abdominal pain, and high blood pressure.
Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a potent painkiller and may potentially cause cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as serious gastric bleeding, when used for a prolonged period. It should be used under close medical supervision, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions, stomach bleeding and ulceration.
Frusemide / Furosemide
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.
Glibenclamide / Glyburide
Glibenclamide is a prescription medicine used to treat diabetes mellitus and should be used under medical supervision. Inappropriate use of glibenclamide without medical supervision may cause severe low blood glucose which can cause seizures or coma. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and cholestatic jaundice.
Levodopa (L-Dopa)
Levodopa is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and should be used under medical supervision. Levodopa may potentially interact with medicines used to treat high blood pressure. Side effects of levodopa may include low blood pressure, irregular heart rate and breathing abnormalities.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. They are prescription medicines and should be used under medical supervision. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and rash. Severe side effects include an increased risk of tendon rupture, hallucinations and nerve damage. Examples include ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin.
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.
Paynantheine and Mitragynine - Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) alkaloids
Paynantheine and mitragynine are alkaloids of Kratom or Mitragyna speciose. The use of kratom has been associated with respiratory depression or decreased breathing, seizure, addiction and psychosis. Other side effects include high heart rate and blood pressure, trouble sleeping, and liver toxicity. When use is stopped, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Deaths have been reported with kratom both by itself and mixed with other substances.
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.
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.
Sibutramine / Desmethyl sibutramine / Benzyl 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.
Desmethyl sibutramine and Benzyl sibutramine are like sibutramine and may have similar side effects.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine is a medicine used to treat fungal infections. Side effects associated with inappropriate use of creams containing terbinafine include skin peeling, itching, redness, and burning.
Download PDF: HSA Foreign Alert_2024_December
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