Health Sciences Authority issues warning over 2 pain relief products from Malaysia
Members of the public have been warned against purchasing and consuming two pain relief health products from Malaysia after one consumer was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and another developed Cushing’s syndrome after taking the products.
The two products are Ausbee Australia Ausbee Herbal Powder Capsules and Shen Loon She Edoly Capsule, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in an advisory issued on Monday (14 May). The authority has also advised retailers and suppliers to stop selling these products immediately.
Both products are considered illegal because they contain undeclared prohibited western medicinal ingredients.
Adverse reactions reported
A woman in her 70s who consumed Ausbee Australia Ausbee Herbal Powder Capsules for about two years to relieve her back pain and for general well-being. She had obtained the product from Malaysia through friends.
After undergoing surgery for a fracture, she suffered complications arising from an adrenal crisis which caused a “severe drop” in her blood pressure, said HSA. She was then admitted to the ICU.
“Her condition was subsequently traced to the long-term consumption of dexamethasone, a potent steroid present in Ausbee Australia Ausbee Herbal Powder Capsules,” said the HSA.
“In addition to the steroid, the product is adulterated with antibiotics, a painkiller and an anti-allergy drug which can cause serious adverse reactions and drug interactions.”
A man in his 60s who had been consuming Shen Loon She Edoly Capsule for almost 10 years to relieve his joint pain developed Cushing’s syndrome, said the authority.
Cushing’s syndrome is a condition caused by long-term use of steroids. Symptoms related to this condition include skin thinning, large purplish bruises on the skin, high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose level.
The man is currently undergoing treatment for the condition.
According to the HSA, consumers taking Ausbee Australia Ausbee Herbal Powder Capsules or Shen Loon She Edoly Capsule should see a doctor as soon as possible because the products contain potent steroids.
“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,” said the HSA.
The authority warned consumers to be wary of health products that promise or produce quick results for chronic conditions.
“Such products may contain hidden prescription medicines which should only be taken under medical supervision, or potent or banned ingredients that may harm you,” said the HSA.
Adverse effects from consuming these ingredients may occur in an unexpected medical situation such as when undergoing a surgery, the authority added, which also warned consumers against purchasing health products from unfamiliar sources or overseas.
Anyone who supplies illegal health products may be jailed for up to three years and/or fined up to $100,000 if convicted.
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