THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted members of the public to four health products and one cosmetic product tested by the laboratory of Pharmacy Laboratory Services, Laboratory Services, MoH and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.
The affected health products are:
i) Jamu Sari Daun Selasih Kapsul (manufactured by PJ Muncul Jaya, Indonesia), adulterated with Acetaminophen, Diclofenac, Phenylbutazone and Dexamethasone;
ii) Sari Buah Mujarab Kapsul (manufactured by PJ Dewa Group, Indonesia), and adulterated with Acetaminophen and Dexamethasone;
iii) Pure Slim 7D 5-in-1 Advanced Formula 350mg Capsule (manufacturer unknown), adulterated with Phenolphthalein; and
iv) Pure Slim 7D Extract With Garcinia Cambogia Metabolisme Booster 350mg Capsule (manufacturer unknown), adulterated with Phenolphthalein.
Meanwhile, the affected cosmetic product is the Temulawak New Day & Night Cream Beauty Whitening Cream – Night. It was found to contain mercury.
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 does not declare its Acetaminophen or Paracetamol content, an unaware user may take in excess, which could lead to liver damage, kidney failure, coma and eventually death.
Diclofenac is a pain-relief medicine that, if taken without supervision, may result in peptic ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, blurred vision, oedema, jaundice and kidney failure.
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 can cause increase 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 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 that include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and dehydration.
Prolonged consumption or overdose of Phenolphthalein can result in diarrhoea with excessive loss of water and electrolytes, and there is also the possibility of developing an atonic non-functioning colon. Cardiac and respiratory distress, renal damage and hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported with the use of this drug. 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 undesirable reactions as a result of using them.
The MoH urged the public to report to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section if any of these products are still found in the market in the country.
For further information and communication, contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2393298/2393301/2393230 (ext 208), e-mail pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bnor visit the Pharmacy Enforcement Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services Building at Simpang 433, Rimba Highway, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A’, Brunei Darussalam; or call Darussalam line 123.