HSA warns of banned substance, potent medicinal ingredients in product marketed as weight-loss pill
HSA said it has worked with online platforms Shopee and Lazada to remove listings of the product.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore has issued a warning against a weight-loss product marketed as Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set. The product, available on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Lazada, has been found to contain a banned substance and potent medicinal ingredients. Upon testing, the HSA discovered the presence of sibutramine, a former prescription weight-loss medicine banned in Singapore since 2010 due to its association with increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations, and mood swings.
Additionally, the product contained five potent medicinal ingredients, four of which are prescription-only or pharmacy-only medicines meant to be used under a healthcare professional's supervision. These include Amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, potent diuretics that can increase the risk of adverse effects like low blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and electrolyte imbalances.
Fluoxetine, a prescription-only medicine for depression and psychiatric disorders, can cause insomnia, headaches, irregular heartbeat, diarrhoea, and nausea. Orlistat, a pharmacy-only medicine used for obesity management, can lead to headaches, abdominal pain, oily discharge from the rectum, liquid stools, flatulence, and fatigue.
Bisacodyl, a laxative, can cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea, with prolonged use potentially resulting in chronic constipation.
The HSA advises consumers to stop using the product immediately and consult a doctor if they feel unwell. Those who have purchased the product are urged to stop taking it and seek medical attention if they experience any adverse effects. The HSA has collaborated with online platforms to remove the product listing, which was falsely advertised as containing vitamins and natural ingredients like cinnamon for appetite control, detoxification, fat-burning, and metabolism boosting.
The HSA is currently investigating the sellers and suppliers and may prosecute them, with potential penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both. Anyone with information about the illegal sale or supply of the product is encouraged to contact the HSA through the provided contact details.
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