THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted members of the public to two types of health products which have been tested by the laboratory of Pharmacy Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.
The health products are ‘Baschi Quick Slimming Capsule’, manufactured by Taiwan Nuomeixiu Cosmetic & Beauty Co Ltd, which contains Sibutramine; and Gorgeousleem Advanced Capsulte, which contains Sibutramine, Acetaminophen and Spironolactone.
The adulterant found in this product can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them.
Sibutramine is a slimming agent and is no longer recommended for medical use in obesity due to its harmful effects on the heart and liver. Its consumption can also cause serious adverse reactions such as high blood pressure, heart palpitation, insomnia and in worst cases, kidney and liver damage.
Acetaminophen or Paracetamol can be taken for self-medication but when traditional medicine does not declare its Acetaminophen or Paracetamol content, unaware person may take excessive Acetaminophen or Paracetamol which may lead to liver damage, kidney failure, coma and eventually death.
Baschi Quick Slimming Capsule
Gorgeousleem Advanced Capsule. – PHOTOS: MOH
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic which is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure and oedema.
The unsupervised use of spironolactone can cause hepatotoxicity, malaise, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, increase blood potassium levels leading to the irregular heartbeat and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a rare and serious disorder which is characterised by painful red or purplish rashes that spreads and blisters).
The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these affected products. Following these findings, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
Members of the public who have purchased or used these products are advised to stop using them immediately.
They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using the products.
Members of the public involved in the retail of these products are reminded that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the authority, where the penalty for contravening these regulations upon conviction, is a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.
The ministry called upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Health Regulations Services if any of these products are still found on the market in this country.
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