The Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted the public to two health products tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section at Department of Scientific Services and found to be adulterated with undeclared, scheduled poisons, listed in the Poisons Act.
MagBlue Habbatus Sauda 100% Asli by RPM Herb Industries and Jamu Herba Kampong Ramuan Asli Turun Temurun by Qasehh Beauty were found to have sibutramine.
The adulterant can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them.
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. Taking sibutramine can also cause serious adverse effects such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and difficulty sleeping. In more severe cases, it can cause kidney and liver damage.
MoH has not approved the importation and sale of these products.
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.
The public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through social media) are reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing controlled substances and the penalty for such an offence upon conviction is a fine of BND8,000 or six months’ imprisonment. If a person commits an act that amounts to negligence such as endangering or likely to endanger human life shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of BND16,000 fine and 12 months’ imprisonment.
MoH called on the public for their cooperation to report to the Compliance and Licensing Section if any of these products are still found on the market.
For information, call 2393301 (ext 208); e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; visit 1st Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong A; or call Darussalam Line 123.
