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Alert issued for anti-itch product

SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority has warned the public against using a product that promises to stop itchiness after a consumer experienced rapid weight gain and developed a “round moon face” after using the product.

HSA warns public not to use ‘Hai Leng Hai Beh Herbal Itch Removing Capsule’ . Photo: HSA

HSA warns public not to use ‘Hai Leng Hai Beh Herbal Itch Removing Capsule’ . Photo: HSA

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SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority has warned the public against using a product that promises to stop itchiness after a consumer experienced rapid weight gain and developed a “round moon face” after using the product.

A woman in her 40s had taken ‘Hai Leng Hai Beh Herbal Itch Removing Capsule’ to relieve her itchy skin. Although her condition improved within a day of taking the capsules, she experienced rapid weight gain and her face became puffy after consuming the product over two months. She was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, which is characterised by round face or ‘moon face’ and upper body obesity with thin limbs.

Investigations subsequently showed that the product she had been consuming contains dexamethasone, chlorpheniramine and paracetamol even though it was labelled 100 per cent herbal, said a statement from HSA on Thursday (May 5).

Dexamethasone is a potent steroid that is usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision, said the HSA. According to the statement, long-term unsupervised use of oral steroids can cause Cushing’s syndrome, increased blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, and an increased risk of infections.

According to the HSA, consumers who are using this product are advised to see a doctor as soon as possible. However, people should not immediately stop using the product as sudden discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as “weakness, fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure, especially when it has been consumed for more than a few weeks”, it said.

The HSA cautioned people to be wary of health products that produce unexpected quick recovery of medical conditions. “You cannot be certain where and how these products were made,” said the statement. “They may be illegal, counterfeit or substandard, and may contain undeclared ingredients which can harm your health.”

It also warned retailers to stop selling and distributing ‘Hai Leng Hai Beh Herbal Itch Removing Capsule’. While the woman who developed Cushing’s syndrome bought her supply overseas, the HSA does not rule out the possibility of this product being sold here. Offenders may face a penalty fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Poisons Act if convicted.

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