HSA updates on products found overseas that contain potent ingredients (November 2023)

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in November 2023 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)
Advanced Glucose Support Supplements	Glyburide and Metformin	United States Food and Drug Administration
Alien 2 Power 11000 Green	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Alien 2 Power 11000 Red	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
ANYLADY / Pretty Girl MAKE UP PALETTE (Eyeshadow/Blusher/Highlighter/Lipstick/Eyebrow Powder)	Rhodamine B and Lead (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Anylady / 12 color Eyeshadow Palette (01)	Rhodamine B and Lead (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Artri King	Diclofenac	United States Food and Drug Administration
Black Ant Strong	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Black Mamba Premium 18000	Yohimbe	Health Canada
Black Panther #1	Yohimbe	Health Canada
Bull’s Genitals	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Collagen Plus Vit E / Day & Night Cream	Mercury (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
ExtenZe (blue pills)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Ginseng Red 2000	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
HIJA bueauty/Apple Lipstick	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
IMAN OF NOBLE / Liquid shadow fashion eyeshadow (03)	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
IU Beauty / Lip Gloss - 02	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Kinggra (orange label)	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Kinggra (white label)	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Kinggra Fast Acting Plus	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Kiss Beauty / FASHION COLOUR MAKEUP KIT-2	Rhodamine B and Lead (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Kuka Flex	Diclofenac	United States Food and Drug Administration
L’CHEAR / To love Sweet Make Up Kit-2	Lead (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Lameila / 16 Color Eyeshadow-01	Lead (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Lidanxiu / Lip Stick	Rhodamine B	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Lucky Lady	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Magnum XXL 9800	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	United States Food and Drug Administration
Magnum 500K Blue	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Magnum 500K Gold	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Magnum 500K Red	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Magnum 9800 Black	Levodopa and Prasterone	Health Canada
Man King	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Maximum Power BANG All Night Long	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Mila Color / Primer Eyebrow kit - 01	Lead (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
PEARL SKIN/ Pearl & Ginger Cream	Mercury (THM)	Myanmar Department of Food and Drug Administration
Pink Pussycat	Hydroxythiohomosildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Premier Love Gold 22000	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Premium Pro Power 3500	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Reumo Flex	Diclofenac	United States Food and Drug Administration
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000	Sildenafil  (PDE-5 inhibitor) and Yohimbe	Health Canada
Rhino 7 Platinum 10,000	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) and Yohimbe	Health Canada
Rhino 11 Extreme 500K	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 11 Platinum 200k	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 12 Platinum 500K	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 69 Extreme 600k	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 69 Extreme 990K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 69 Platinum 35000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 69 Platinum 700K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 69 475K	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rush Hour 72	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Spanish Fly 22,000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Spanish Fly 150,000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Stree Overlord	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
The Rock	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	United States Food and Drug Administration
Trojan Passion 65000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Trojan-X 750K	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
7K	Yohimbe	Health Canada
2000 Ginseng Red	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
3800 Hard Rock	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
25000 Jaguar	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada

 

Annex B 

The possible side effects of the potent ingredients

Clobetasol  

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).

 

Glyburide

Glyburide, also known as Glibenclamide, is a prescription medicine used to treat diabetes mellitus and should be used under medical supervision. Inappropriate use of glyburide or 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.

 

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is a medicine used to treat fungal infections. The possible adverse effects associated with the inappropriate use of creams containing ketoconazole may include skin irritation, itching of the skin, skin rash and impetigo (skin infection).

 

Levodopa (L-Dopa)

Levodopa or L-Dopa 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.

 

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.

 

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

This class of medicine includes 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.

 

Prasterone

Prasterone, also known as 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.

 

Rhodamine B

Rhodamine B is a dye used for printing and dyeing of textiles, paper, paints, and leathers. It is prohibited to be used in health products, including cosmetic products, as it may be carcinogenic. It can cause side effects, such as irritation, when in contact with the skin and eyes. Cases of permanent injury to the eye and chemical conjunctivitis due to exposure to the dye have been documented. When ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

 

Toxic Heavy Metals (THM)

Lead and mercury are toxic heavy metals which pose serious health risks when consumed in excessive amounts. Exposure to high levels of lead may cause anaemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. High levels of mercury may cause kidney injury (e.g. protein in urine and oedema) and affect the nervous system (e.g. numbness, tingling, dizziness, forgetfulness, headaches and depression).

 

Yohimbe

Yohimbe is a bark extract from which a potent medicinal ingredient, Yohimbine, is derived. Side effects associated with yohimbe or yohimbine include insomnia, anxiety, palpitations (sensation of heart pounding, racing or skipped beats), sweating and blurred vision. Overdosage can cause low blood pressure, rapid heartbeats, seizures, paralysis and coma. Deaths from overdose have also been reported.

Download PDF: HSA Foreign Alert_2023_Nov3000 KB

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