Three men hospitalised after taking unprescribed drugs for alertness: HSA
They had consumed modafinil or armodafinil, and developed 'life-threatening' skin blisters, mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis
SINGAPORE — Three men have been hospitalised for serious adverse reactions after consuming unregistered drugs sourced from friends or street peddlers.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a press release on Monday (6 November) that the men had taken modafinil and armodafinil - potent medicines that are not registered in Singapore - to improve alertness. However, they later developed serious skin conditions, mouth ulcers and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
How the three men reacted to the drugs
After taking modafinil, the first man, who is in his 30s, developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a life-threatening skin condition with blisters and severe peeling of the skin.
He had acquired the product from a friend and used it once to enhance his alertness. Over the next few days, he developed a fever, multiple mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis and a severe rash which started on the neck and subsequently spread to other body parts.
Meanwhile, the other two men, who are also in their 30s, took armodafinil.
The first man acquired the drug from a friend, in order to stay awake in the day. After taking it for a few times, he developed multiple mouth ulcers and inflammation, experienced pain when swallowing, and was unable to eat or talk. He also developed conjunctivitis.
The other man obtained armodafinil from an illegal peddler in Geylang. He took it for over a month to help with his alertness at work, and later developed SJS. It started with a fever and rash, before progressing to skin blistering and multiple mouth ulcers. The severe and painful rashes subsequently spread to his whole body.
About modafinil and armodafinil
According to HSA, modafinil and armodafinil are available in some countries as prescription medicines. Doctors can apply to HSA to bring in the two drugs for their patients’ medical conditions, such as narcolepsy, if there is a clinical need. Patients would have to be under strict medical supervision.
Some of the serious side effects include heart problems, hypertension and psychiatric conditions like anxiety, hallucinations or mania. Serious skin reactions have also been reported, and they can lead to hospitalisation, serious complications or even death.
"Those who recover may suffer from long-term complications including skin scarring, hair loss and visual impairment such as increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and blindness," HSA said.
Other vital organs including the lungs may also be permanently affected. Modafinil and armodafinil also "carry a potential risk of dependency" due to their stimulant effects on the brain.
HSA said that there have been reports of individuals taking both drugs, for the purpose of improving alertness or as "cognitive enhancers" to improve focus and memory. Self-medication of these drugs is "not appropriate and can be harmful", it added.
Advisory for consumers
The public are advised not to obtain or consume products containing modafinil or armodafinil that are not prescribed by a doctor, or used under close medical supervision.
Here are some other tips from the HSA:
Modafinil and armodafinil should be prescribed by a doctor and used under medical supervision. Inappropriate use by individuals to stay alert or improve focus can be harmful;
Be cautious when obtaining or purchasing health products from unfamiliar sources, even if they are recommended by friends or relatives;
Do not share or supply potent prescription medicines to friends or relatives, even if their medical conditions may appear familiar. The medicines may not be suitable or safe for them, and their medical condition may need to be managed by a doctor.
Unless authorised by HSA for use in special circumstances by a doctor, the supply and sale of unregistered health products such as modafinil or armodafinil, is an offence under the Health Products Act. Offenders face a fine up to $50,000 and/or up to two years in prison.
Members of the public who have any information on the illegal sale and supply of modafinil or armodafinil may contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch hotline (6866-3485) during office hours from Monday to Friday, or via email at hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
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