Erectile dysfunction drug found in honey product sold on e-commerce platforms

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recently discovered the presence of prohibited substances in three food products, including a honey supplement, sold on e-commerce platforms. Among the illicit substances found was tadalafil, a prescription medication for erectile dysfunction, which should only be taken under medical supervision. The SFA's media release, published on August 4, warned that improper use of tadalafil can result in severe adverse effects, such as heart attack, stroke, headache, irregular heartbeat, and priapism, a painful and prolonged erection.

The agency also revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a steroid medicine used to treat inflammation, in a Malaysian product called Jus Tuan Haji 1921. Side effects of dexamethasone can include vision problems, excessive hair growth, acne, irregular periods, headaches, and Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by elevated cortisol levels.

Another product, Shaio-Ge Xian Li 365 S1 Botanical Beverage Mix Barley Seedling Powder from Taiwan, contained sennosides, a laxative, whose side effects can include abdominal pain, spasms, diarrhea, and low blood potassium levels. The SFA emphasized that prolonged use of dexamethasone may lead to dehydration and a "lazy bowel" condition, causing less frequent bowel movements and potential long-term constipation.

The agency urged consumers not to consume the affected products and encouraged those with health concerns to consult medical professionals. Lazada, the e-commerce platform where two of the products were sold, removed the listings and pledged to conduct daily sweeps for non-compliant products. CNA reported that the agency had collaborated with sellers to eliminate the listings and had issued advisories to the sellers to cease sales immediately.