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HSA warns against two health products with potent ingredients, one caused woman’s face to swell

SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public to stop using two health products found to contain potent medicinal ingredients, one of which led to adverse effects in a woman who consumed it.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public to stop using two health products found to contain potent medicinal ingredients.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public to stop using two health products found to contain potent medicinal ingredients.

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SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public to stop using two health products found to contain potent medicinal ingredients, one of which led to adverse effects in a woman who consumed it.

The woman, who is in her 40s, had taken a product known as Lung Tan Tsao, which claimed to contain natural herbs to relieve conditions such as eczema, allergies and pain. She suffered from weight gain and a swollen face after taking it.

According to HSA, the woman had received Lung Tan Tsao from a friend who bought it in Malaysia. Her doctor had found the product suspicious as it cleared her eczema as quickly as a prescription medicine.

After testing, HSA found that it contained the antihistamine chlorpheniramine and the steroid dexamethasone. Both are potent medicinal ingredients that can cause serious adverse effects when used without medical supervision, said HSA.

Long-term unsupervised steroid use can also cause serious effects like increased blood glucose levels and Cushing's syndrome, characterised by a round face and upper body obesity with thin limbs.

The second product, Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power, was first detected by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers, who found 15 boxes in a parcel and referred them to HSA for further investigation.

The product — which was bought online from an overseas seller — claimed to contain herbal ingredients such as tongkat ali extract, sky fruit extract and maca powder.

However, when tested by the HSA, it was found to contain more than 50 times the usual daily dose of tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug which can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack if used without medical supervision.

HSA warned that the packaging of the product also misused quality certification logos to mislead consumers.

The authority added that Candy B+ Coffee Power is similar to another product by the same manufacturer called Candy B+ Complex, which also contained tadalafil. Such illegal products "often resurface under a different name or packaging to evade checks by authorities and trick customers into buying them”, said HSA.

Those who have consumed Lung Tan Tsao should seek medical attention as stopping steroids without proper supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Consumers should also stop taking Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power immediately and see a doctor if unwell.

HSA advised the public to be wary of products claiming to deliver exaggerated, quick or miraculous results, and to be cautious when buying online or from friends. They should also avoid buying health products from unfamiliar sources.

Both Lung Tan Tsao and Candy B+ Coffee Extra Power have not been found to be sold in Singapore, said HSA, adding that action will be taken if the products are detected online or in shops.

Sellers and suppliers must stop selling them immediately as it is illegal to sell and supply products with potent medicinal ingredients. Those who do so are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to two years or fined up to S$10,000, or both.

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