SINGAPORE – The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public not to purchase or consume a health product labelled in Chinese as ‘Hai Leng Hai Beh Herbal Itch Removing Capsule’ after a customer consumed it and has now been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder known as Cushing’s syndrome.
In a press release today (May 5), the HSA revealed that a woman in her 40s, bought the capsules from a retail store overseas to ease an itchy skin condition after a relative’s recommendation.
Just a day after consumption her itchy skin condition improved. However after consuming the pills for two months, she gained weight rapidly and her face became puffy.
Evidence later showed that the pills were not entirely herbal in nature and contained “potent traces of steroid and painkillers like paracetemol”, according to HSA.
Dexamethsone, a steroid which is usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions, is known to cause increased blood glucose levels that cause diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts and muscular and bone disorders when taken over a long period of time without supervision.
These medical conditions may, in turn, cause a consumer to develop Cushing’s syndrome, said HSA.
Chlorpheniramine was also found in the capsule. HSA said the antihistamine is commonly known to treat allergic reactions and can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, vomiting and constipation.
Paracetamol is known to cause swelling of the lips or face and rashes.
The HSA has advised all sellers to stop selling and distributing the capsules immediately.
If caught selling, shop owners could be fined up to $10,000 and may be imprisoned for a period of up to two years, if convicted.
To learn more about the dangers of buying health products from dubious sources, you can visit www.healthdangers.sg.
Those with any information on the sale and supply of these capsules or other illegal products can contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at 68663485 during office hours from Monday to Friday.
mldas@sph.com.sg
