SINGAPORE – The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned consumers against using a herbal product – HW Beauty Serbuk Campuran Kurma, Madu & Limau Kasturi, or HW Beauty Dates, Honey & Calamansi Powder Mix in English – as it contains three ingredients that can cause serious adverse effects, including acute kidney injuries.
In a statement on Nov 19, HSA said tests revealed that the product contained two potent steroids (dexamethasone and prednisolone) and an anti-inflammatory painkiller (diclofenac).
HSA had received reports that some people who had consumed the product suffered acute kidney injuries and Cushing’s syndrome, a serious medical condition characterised by a round face or “moon face” appearance.
Two patients were hospitalised in November, and have since been discharged. A review of those cases is ongoing, said HSA.
HSA said the HW Beauty product is marketed as a “traditional herbal supplement passed down through generations” to relieve multiple medical conditions, including joint pain and gout.
The product claims to be “steroid-free” and a “genuine product” of “premium quality”, which could deceive consumers that the product was safe, said HSA.
The two steroids in the product are prescribed for inflammatory conditions, and could cause increased blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders such as osteoporosis. It can also cause an increased risk of infections and Cushing’s syndrome, said HSA.
