SINGAPORE — The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has cautioned the public against buying and consuming two weight loss products that were found to have potent levels of undeclared medicine that can cause adverse side effects including high blood pressure, hallucinations, and increased risk of a heart attack and stroke.

The two products, Anyang Herbal Blue and Anyang Herbal Red, were sold by Jessie Cosmetics on social media as well as directly to the owner’s friends, and were touted to have “no side effects”. They were marketed as weight loss products, and labelled “100% natural ingredients”.

But, a woman in her late 20s who took Anyang Herbal Blue complained of heart palpitations, nausea, trembling of hands and legs, sweating, insomnia and illusions. The HSA on Monday (March 6) said it found “dangerously high levels” of sibutramine, which is a banned substance. Based on the labels on the two products, a consumer would be consuming eight times the maximum daily allowable amount of sibutramine.

Sibutramine has been banned in Singapore since 2010 because of an increased risk of a heart attack and stroke, the HSA said in a press release. Other possible side effects include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations and mood swings. 

Meanwhile, Anyang Herbal Red was tested and found to to contain undeclared potent Western medicine: diclofenac (a painkiller) and phenolphthalein (a laxative).

The seller has been ordered to stop the sale of the products and is assisting in the HSA’s investigations. The HSA also advised members of the public who have bought either of the products to stop taking them immediately and to consult a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health.  

Anyone found guilty of supplying illegal health products may be jailed for up to three years and fined up to $100,000.