Boy, 12, gains 6kg and develops stretch marks after using steroid-tainted cream; HSA flags 3 products, Singapore News

When HSA tested the product, it found clobetasol, a potent steroid, and antifungal agent miconazole. 

HSA’s investigations found that the seller’s Facebook account was linked to a local Shopee store. The authority has since worked with Shopee to disable the online store, while the relevant Malaysian authorities have been alerted to the Facebook account.

Weight-loss supplement contained banned substance

In a separate case, a woman suffered heart palpitations, nausea, a constant feeling of thirst and a lack of appetite after consuming C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product. 

The product was marketed as a “dietary supplement” and was labelled as containing chia powder and chilli pepper powder. 

However, HSA’s analysis found that the product contained sibutramine, a banned weight-loss substance, and sennosides, an undeclared laxative.

HSA has asked platform administrators to remove the listings found across major e-commerce and social media platforms including Shopee, Lazada, Carousell, Facebook and TikTok. 

Woman developed ‘moon face’ after taking herbal remedy

A third case involved a woman in her 60s who regularly consumed Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao for 10 days. 

She had bought the herbal remedy from a market in Bentong, Malaysia, and it was meant for pain management and to improve her blood circulation.

The woman developed a rounded “moon face” appearance and abnormal fat accumulation on her upper back — signs of Cushing’s syndrome.

HSA’s testing found that the product contained dexamethasone, a potent steroid which is a prescription medicine and should only be used under strict medical supervision. 

The authority also highlighted that the product’s packaging appeared similar to another product it had warned the public against in 2016. 

HSA’s Advisory

Consumers using the two steroid-laced products, B-Lian-S Herbal Cream and Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao, should not stop taking them abruptly without consulting a doctor, as sudden withdrawal can cause fatigue, weakness and low blood pressure.

On the other hand, those consuming the C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product should immediately stop and consult a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health.

Sellers and suppliers convicted of selling products found to be adulterated with banned or potent ingredients face up to two years’ jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

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laili.abdeen@asiaone.com