THE Ministry of Health is alerting members of the public of five types of health products tested by the Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services, Ministry of Health (MoH) and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicines.
The affected health products are Herba Perancang Keluarga Kapsul and Top Gusi Special (Yellow, Oval Shaped) found to contain Mefenamic acid.
Top Gusi Special (Yellow, Round Shaped) was found to contain Chlorpheniramine while Xtreme 7 Plus Kapsul was found to contain Sibutramine. Soloco Candy was found to contain Tadalafil.
The adulterants found in these products can cause adverse effects potentially hazardous to the people using them, the ministry said in a statement.
Consumption of Mefenamic acid without supervision can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, bloating, constipation, gastro-intestinal ulceration, anaemia, temporary lowering of white blood cell count, thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) and renal failure. It also can cause insomnia, visual disturbances, headaches, nervousness, hallucinations, depression and confusions.
Unsupervised consumption of Chlorpheniramine can cause adverse effects such as dizziness, lowering of blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression and convulsions.
Sibutramine is a body slimming agent no longer recommended for its use in obesity treatment because its effects can be detrimental to the heart and liver. Intake of Sibutramine can cause serious adverse effects such as high blood pressure, uncertain heartbeat and difficulty in sleeping; and in a worst-case situation, it can cause damage to the kidneys and liver.
Tadalafil 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.The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these products. Following the 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 them.
Members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook) 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 that the penalty for such an offence upon conviction is a fine of BND8,000 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 he or she shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The MoH is also calling upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Compliance and Licensing Section if any of these products are still found on the market in the country.
For further information and communication, the public can contact the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393298 extension 208; send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; go directly to 1st Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A’; or call the Darussalam line 123.