THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted the public to two types of traditional medicines and health products, and one cosmetic product found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.
Tests were conducted by the laboratory of Pharmacy Laboratory Services, Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health.
The two health products are:
– Galian Sehat Kapsul was found to be adulterated with Acetaminophen, Chlorpheni-ramin, Phenylbutazone, Dexamethasone, Betamethasone. It is manufactured by PJ Galian Sehat, Indonesia.
– Men’s King 6,800mg Tablet is adulterated with Sildenafil, and is manufactured by Hong Kong Golden Dragon Biotechnology Co Ltd, Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the affected cosmetic product is Lyanaz Product Queens Blink Kesan Seawal 1 Hari – Day Cream which was found to contain mercury. The manufacturer was not stated.
The adulterant found in this product can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to users.
Acetaminophen or Paracetamol can be taken for self-medication but when traditional medicine fail to declare its Acetaminophen or Paracetamol content, unaware persons may take excessive Acetaminophen or Paracetamol which may lead to liver damage, kidney failure, coma and possible death.
Dizziness, lowering of blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression and convulsions are among the adverse effects that can occur from unsupervised consumption of Chlorpheniramine.
Unsupervised consumption of Phenylbutazone may result in peptic ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, blurred vision, oedema, jaundice and kidney failure.
Phenylbutazone is often associated with severe side-effects such as serious blood disorders.
Unsupervised long-term consumption of potent corticosteroids such as Dexamethasone and Betamethasone can cause increased blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, and an increased risk of infections.
Long term use of corticosteroids can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome which is characterised by a round face or ‘moon face’, and upper body obesity with thin limbs.
Consumers who have taken high doses of steroids over a prolonged period may suffer from withdrawal symptoms which include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and dehydration.
Sildenafil is a drug used to treat male impotency and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor or physician.
Among their side effects include nausea, vomiting, flushing and dizziness.
In severe cases, they can also result in abnormal increase in heart rate, sudden loss of hearing and seizures.
Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007.
Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its hazardous effects on human health.
It is readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tends to accumulate in the body.
Exposure to mercury can cause skin rashes, memory loss and muscle weakness while high exposures may result in damage to the brain and kidneys. It is also extremely toxic to unborn children.
The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these products and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of the rest of 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 discontinue use immediately.
They should also consult a medical practitioner should they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.
Members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook, etc) are reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the said Act and the penalty for such an offence upon conviction, is a fine of $8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.
Furthermore, if a person commits an Act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, then such person shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of $16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The public is also 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 MoH 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.
For information, contact the Health Regulations Services at 2384182, e-mail health.regulations@moh.gov.bn or go directly to Health Regulations Services, 1st Floor, Ministry of Health, Commonwealth Drive, Brunei Darussalam. The public can also contact the Darussalam line 123 for other enquiries.
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