More adulterated health products discovered
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has alerted the public to two health products that have been adulterated with undeclared potent western drugs after being tested by the Pharmacy Laboratory Section of the Department of Scientific Services.
SE Saraf Emas Rawat & Pulih Saraf 100% Herbal Asli Zat 1001 Penawar was found to be adulterated with dexamethasone and betamethasone.
Extrak Kapsul Daun Sirih Cina Untuk Pria dan Wanita Asam Urat Nyeri Tulang Kolesterol Jerawat Penyakit Kulit, manufactured by PJ Perdana Jaya in Bogor, Indonesia, has been adulterated with diclofenac, chlorpheniramine, acetaminophen, dexamethasone and betamethasone.
These adulterants can cause potentially dangerous side effects for people who use them.
Dizziness, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression, and seizures are some of the side effects that can occur with unsupervised use of chlorpheniramine.
Long-term unsupervised use of strong corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and betamethasone can raise blood sugar, leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscle and bone disorders, and increased risk of infections.
Long-term use of corticosteroids can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome which is characterized by a round face or “moon face” and upper body obesity with thin limbs.
Consumers who have taken high doses of steroids for a prolonged period may experience withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and dehydration.
Diclofenac is an analgesic which, if left unattended, can cause peptic ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, blurred vision, edema, jaundice, and kidney failure.
Acetaminophen or paracetamol can be used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Excessive use of acetaminophen or paracetamol can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, coma, and can lead to death.
The Ministry of Health has not issued any import authorization for the sale of these 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 seek medical attention if they feel unwell or experience any adverse reactions following their use.
Members of the public involved in the retail sale of products (including online, for example via Facebook) are reminded that the sale of products containing a substance controlled under said Act is an offense under the Poisons Act. 1956, and the penalty for such an offence. if convicted, a fine of BND 8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.
Further, if a person commits an act which amounts to such a degree of negligence as to endanger or is likely to endanger human life, then that person will be guilty of an offense punishable by a fine of 16 000 BND and 12 months imprisonment.
