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

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to update the public on products that have been found and reported by overseas regulators in September 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)
All Nite Long	Mucuna pruriens seed extract  (10% Levodopa)	Health Canada
Ayuthidhi Thetshay Hsay	Arsenic (Toxic heavy metal)	Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports
Beneks’ Fashion Fair Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Beneks’ Fashion Fair Gel Plus	Betamethasone dipropionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Beneks’ Hot Movate Gel	Betamethasone dipropionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Beneks’ New Hot Movate Gel	Betamethasone dipropionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Big Rhino Diamond 100,000	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Black Mamba Premium	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Black Panther #1	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Black Panther	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Black Panther 200K	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Black Panther Extreme 25000	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Blue Rhino 100000	Mucuna pruriens seed extract (Levodopa)	Health Canada
Bravo for Him	Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Desmethylcarbodenafil, and Dithiodesmethylcarbodenafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Chandni Whitening Cream	Mercury (Toxic heavy metal)	EU RAPEX (Sweden)
Civic Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
MAKARI Crème Clarifiante	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	EU RAPEX (France)
Dragon 69 12000	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Dr White Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Espharma Movate Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Faiza Beauty Cream	Mercury (Toxic heavy metal)	EU RAPEX (Sweden)
FX 5000	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Gold Rhino 100000	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Golden Pearl Beauty Cream	Mercury (Toxic heavy metal)	EU RAPEX (Sweden)
Green Mamba	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Hard Rock 3800	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Horny Goat Weed	Mucuna pruriens seed extract (12% Levodopa)	Health Canada
H2O Jours Natural Gel Plus	Betamethasone dipropionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Jaguar 30000	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Janet Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Janet Gel Plus Aloe Vera	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Janet Papaya Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Kyal Phyu for Rheumatic arthritis and aching	Paracetamol and Diclofenac	Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports
Lemonvate Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Libigrow 130K Platinum	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Mamba is Hero	Sildenafil, Desmethylcarbodenafil (PDE-5 inhibitors) and Dapoxetine	Health Canada
Manasmithra Vatika (Manasamitram Pills) Ayurvedic medicine	Lead (Toxic heavy metal)	Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Master Zone 1500	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Masterbrain Kit	Levodopa	Health Canada
Maximum Power Bang All Night Long	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Mekako Lightening Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
MYO-CARD	Cardarine GW 501516 (SARMs)	Health Canada
MYO-HER	Ostarine MK-2866 (SARMs)	Health Canada
MYO-HGH	Ibutamoren MK-677 (SARMs)	Health Canada
MYO-LGD	Ligandrol LGD-4033 (SARMs)	Health Canada
MYO-S4	Andarine S4 (SARMs)	Health Canada
MYO-SR	Stenabolic SR9009 (SARMs)	Health Canada
MYO-STA	Ostarine MK-2866 (SARMs)	Health Canada
MYO-YK	Myostine YK-11 (SARMs)	Health Canada
Nadinola Extra Strength Discoloration Fade Cream	Hydroquinone	Health Canada
Natural Face Beauty Cream	Mercury (Toxic heavy metal)	EU RAPEX (Sweden)
Nature Secrete with the Oil Argon Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Naturel Cream Aloe Vera	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Naturel Gel Plus	Betamethasone dipropionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Naturel Lemon Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Naturel Papaya Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Othine Skin Bleach	Hydroquinone	Health Canada
Othine Skin Discoloration Fade Cream	Hydroquinone	Health Canada
Passion Classic	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Pop Popular Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Premium Xpluse 2000	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Premium Pro Power 3500	Yohimbine	Health Canada
“Red- E” Male Enhancement Tablet	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	United States Food and Drug Administration
Rhino Super Long Lasting 200K	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rhino 11 10k	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) and Yohimbine	Health Canada
Rhino King 15000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Rodeo Fantasy	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Rush Hour 72	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
So Nice Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Spanish Fly 20,000	Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
Super Panther 7k	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Thermoxyn	Rauwolfia	Health Canada
Titanium 4000	Sildenafil and Tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitors)	Health Canada
Top Gel Plus	Fluocinonide (Corticosteroid) and Neomycin sulphate	Health Canada
Triple Green	Yohimbine	Health Canada
VIP Go Rhino Gold 69k	Yohimbine	Health Canada
Visible Difference Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
Visible Difference Gel	Betamethasone dipropionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
White Express Fast Action Cream	Clobetasol propionate (Corticosteroid)	Health Canada
White Panther	Yohimbine	Health Canada
XOXO Hard Rock	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada
XXLANT 3000	Yohimbine	Health Canada
7k	Yohimbine	Health Canada
2000 Ginseng Red	Sildenafil (PDE-5 inhibitor)	Health Canada

 

Annex B

The possible side effects of the potent ingredients

 

Corticosteroids

Betamethasone dipropionate, clobetasol propionate and flucinonide are potent steroids that are usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision. Long-term unsupervised use of steroids (including topical use where the steroid can be absorbed into the body) can cause increased blood glucose levels (which may lead to diabetes), high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, an increased risk of infections and Cushing’s syndrome (a round face or ‘moon face’ appearance 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, especially when the product has been taken for more than a few weeks.

 

Dapoxetine

Dapoxetine is a prescription medicine used to treat conditions including depression and eating disorders, and should be used under medical supervision. The use of dapoxetine has been associated with side effects including headaches, insomnia, palpitations and dizziness.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Neomycin sulphate

Neomycin sulphate is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is a prescription medicine and should be used under medical supervision. Neomycin can potentially cause serious side effects including hearing problems or ringing in the ears, loss of balance or coordination, seizures or convulsions, vomiting, watery or bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and nausea.

 

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is used for the relief of 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.

 

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

This class of medicine includes sildenafil, tadalafil, desmethylcarbodenafil and dithiodesmethylcarbodenafil. 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.

 

Rauwolfia

The use of rauwolfia has been associated with dizziness, drowsiness, impotence and anxiety.

 

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are chemicals that mimic the effects of the male hormone, testosterone. Some of these chemicals are still undergoing research and no SARMs has been approved for clinical use in humans. Using such chemicals can be dangerous as not all their side effects are known. The possible side effects may be similar to testosterone, such as insomnia, irritability, aggressive behaviour, hypertension, and impotence. Examples include andarine S4, cardarine (GW 501516), Ibutamoren (MK-677), ligandrol (LDG-4033), myostine (YK-11), ostarine (MK 2866), stenabolic (SR 9009), testolone, and RAD-140.

 

Toxic heavy metals

Consumption of excessive amounts of toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury poses serious health risks and may increase the chance of poisoning. Possible symptoms of arsenic poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, heart-related problems, breathing difficulties and numbness of the limbs. Exposure to high levels of lead may cause anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. High levels of mercury may cause kidney injury (e.g. protein in urine and edema) and affect the nervous system (e.g. numbness, tingling, dizziness, forgetfulness, headaches and depression).

 

Yohimbine

Yohimbine is a potent medicinal ingredient. Side effects associated with 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_September1606 KB

Published: 1 Sep 2020

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