HSA updates on products found overseas that contain potent ingredients (October 2020)

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in October 2020 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)
Alien 2 Power Platinum 11000	Aminotadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Atomic 41,000 MG	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
BB Glow Soul Cream	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Malaysia National Pharmaceutical Agency
Beast Natural Formula 41,000mg	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Beauche Clarifying Solution Deep Cleansing Agent Helps to Remove Pimple	Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Beauche Rejuvenating Cream whitening & Moisturizer	Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Black Panther	Yohimbe	Health Canada
Black Panther Extreme 25000	Sildenafil & Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Black Panther Platinum 30K	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Brilliant Skin Essentials – Whitening Facial Toner	Hydroquinone	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
CARO LIGHT Lightening Oil	Clobetasol propionate	EU RAPEX (Germany)
Crystal Infinity – Pekas Cream	Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Double Diamond – Works Wonder	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Elephant 9000	Sildenafil & Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Eruption 35000 MG	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Gold Lion Gold Label 3000 MG	Sildenafil & Hydroxythiohomosildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Go-Rilla Formula	Hydroxythiohomosildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
H.R.D. Tablets	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
INFINITY 10K Capsules	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Jaguar 3000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Jungle Juice Platinum	Isobutanol	Health Canada
KANGAROO 2019 Mega 3000	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Lipstick 12,000 MG	Mitragynine	Health Canada
Lucky Lady	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Master Zone 1500	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Maximum Power Bang All Night Long	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Maxman XI	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Poseidon Platinum 3500	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Prestige – Rejuvenating Plus Cream	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Red Shoe 1,200 mg	Mitragynine	Health Canada
ResERECTION	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino	Aminotadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 15 Gum	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) & Yohimbe	Health Canada
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 25 Platinum 35000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 69 Platinum 15000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 69 Platinum 35000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 25 Titanium 200K	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rush	Isobutanol	Health Canada
SCORPION Natural Formula 41,000mg	Dapoxetine and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Skin Reborn Essentials Facial Solution Deep Cleanser (for night only)	Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Skin Reborn Essentials Rejuvenating Cream Whitening & Moisturiser (Night Cream)	Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Slam 29,000 MG	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
SL Angel	Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
SL Blossom	Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Spanish Fly 20,000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Spanish Fly 22,000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
SSII Treatment Cream	Hydroquinone and Tretinoin	Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Health
Super Panther 7K	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Titanium 4000	Sildenafil & Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Titanium 4000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Wild Bull Gold Extreme	Sildenafil, Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors) & Testosterone propionate	Health Canada
YongGang Tablets	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
3800 Hard Rock	Yohimbe	Health Canada

 

Annex B

The possible side effects of the potent ingredients

 

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.

 

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a potent ingredient used in prescription medicines for the treatment of skin conditions. The ingredient is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products and should only be used under medical supervision, as hydroquinone may cause harmful effects if not used properly. The inappropriate use of hydroquinone could result in changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity reactions such as rashes, redness, tingling and burning of skin.

 

Isobutanol

Isobutanol is a hazardous chemical used as solvents, cleaning agents, lubricants or disinfectants for industrial purposes. It may be harmful if swallowed or come in contact with the skin. Exposure to isobutanol vapours may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, drowsiness and dizziness.

 

Mitragynine

Mitragynine is an alkaloid of Kratom or Mitragyna speciose. The use of kratom (mitragynine) 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 aminotadalafil, hydroxythiohomosildenafil, sildenafil, tadalafil. 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 (PDE-5 inhibitor) while on nitrates have been reported overseas.

 

Testosterone propionate

Testosterone compounds are synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring testosterone, a hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of male attributes. Use of testosterone without medical supervision can cause dangerous or irreversible effects. Testosterone can lead to serious problems with the heart, brain, liver, kidney, endocrine, and cause mental health problems.

 

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a potent ingredient used in prescription medicines for the treatment of skin conditions and should be used under medical supervision. The ingredient is prohibited in skincare cosmetic products. Inappropriate use of tretinoin could lead to side effects such as redness and peeling of skin.

 

Yohimbe / Yohimbine

Yohimbine is a potent medicinal ingredient derived from yohimbe, a bark extract. 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 document: HSA Foreign Alert_2020_October1767 KB

Published: 1 Oct 2020

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