Health Sciences Authority issues warning over 2 slimming products
Two slimming products sold online contain a banned substance and potent laxatives, warned the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in an advisory on Thursday (31 May).
Nuvitra (which is also marketed as ‘Nuvitra King Diet’) and BeColi both contain the banned substance sibutramine and are marketed by NKD Singapore online as supplements for slimming, “with claims that weight loss can be achieved within a short period of time”, said the agency.
HSA has directed NKD Singapore to stop selling these products and for online sellers to remove the listings from their platforms. The company is also assisting HSA in its investigations.
Previously available as a prescription-only weight loss drug, sibutramine was withdrawn from Singapore in 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, said the agency.
Using sibutramine can cause other serious adverse effects such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations and mood swings.
HSA also previously received reports about consumers experiencing hallucinations or hearing voices, palpitations and breathlessness after consuming slimming products which were adulterated with sibutramine.
Both Nuvitra and Becoli contain sennosides, while the latter contains bisacodyl. Both these substances are laxatives used for the relief of constipation, said HSA. Adverse effects associated with using these laxatives include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Prolonged use of these substances may cause watery diarrhoea and lead to fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, as well as lack of chronic muscle strength in the large intestine which may result in chronic constipation, warned HSA.
Consumers are advised to stop taking these products and consult a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health. In addition, consumers should be wary of health products that promise or deliver quick and miraculous weight loss.
“Such products may contain prescription medicines which should only be taken under medical supervision, or undeclared potent or banned ingredients that may seriously harm your health. Do not gamble with your health,” said HSA.
Sellers and suppliers must also stop selling these products immediately, said HSA.
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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