Four health products were tested and found by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services, Ministry of Health (MoH) to be adulterated with undeclared, scheduled poisons, listed in the Poisons Act, said the ministry in a press statement yesterday.
DRW Slimming Product and Kapsul Pelangsing were found to contain sibutramine, while Dewa Ginseng and Sido Waras Flu Tulang contained acetaminophen.
Additionally, Sido Waras Flu Tulang also contained phenylbutazone, chlorpheniramine, dexamethasone and betamethasone.
The adulterants in the products can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous, said the MoH.
“Sibutramine is a body slimming agent that is no longer recommended for its use in obesity treatment because its effects can be detrimental to the heart and the liver.
“Intake of sibutramine can also cause serious adverse effects such as high blood pressure, uncertain heartbeat and difficulty sleeping and in more severe cases, it can cause damage to the kidneys and liver.
“Acetaminophen or paracetamol is a medicine that can be used for pain relief and to reduce fever.
“Excessive acetaminophen or paracetamol use may lead to liver damage, kidney failure, coma and can result in death. Unsupervised consumption of phenylbutazone may result in diarrhoea, headache, hearing disturbance, blurred vision, jaundice, kidney failure, serious blood disorders and coma.
“Meanwhile, dizziness, lowering of blood pressure, irregular hearbeat, confusion, depression and convulsions are among the adverse effects that could occur from the unsupervised consumption of chlorpheniramine,” the ministry said Unsupervised long-term consumption of potent corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and betamethasone can cause increase blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataract, 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 of time may suffer from withdrawal symptoms which include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and dehydration.
As the MoH has not approved for the importation of the products, they 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, the MoH said.
Members of the public involved in the retail of the 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 Act and 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 such person shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.
