\n<\/p>\n
One of the affected consumers almost fainted twice after taking IM SO am and IM TOX pm. She also experienced severe tremors, insomnia and light-headedness, said HSA.<\/p>\n
Marketed to be taken together for slimming purposes, both products claimed to contain food and botanical extracts to \u201cpromote better body balance\u201d.<\/p>\n
However, HSA found that IM SO am contained sibutramine while IM TOX pm contained an undeclared laxative – sennosides.<\/p>\n
Sibutramine has been banned in Singapore since 2010 due to its association with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Its serious effects include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations and mood swings.<\/p>\n
Two other consumers developed serious side effects after taking products for their knee pain.<\/p>\n
One of them, a woman in her 60s, took Ubat Angin Tulang for up to three months, rapidly gaining 10kg and developing elevated blood pressure, said HSA. The product was touted to strengthen muscles and help with pain management.<\/p>\n
While the product\u2019s label only mentioned herbal ingredients, HSA found it contained dexamethasone, furosemide and chlorpheniramine, which are potent medicinal ingredients.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are strong medicinal substances that can cause serious adverse effects when used without supervision by a doctor,\u201d said HSA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe steroid in the product could have caused the woman\u2019s rapid weight gain and high blood pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n
The woman got the product from a relative who bought it from a makeshift stall in Jurong. Further investigations revealed that the seller was from Malaysia and would set up makeshift stalls across Singapore.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvestigations on the seller are ongoing,\u201d said HSA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n