HSA: Weight loss product sold on Shopee & Lazada found to contain banned substance, prescription-only medicinal ingredients
Existing buyers are advised to stop consumption immediately.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued a warning about a weight loss product sold on popular e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada. The product, titled "Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set," was found to contain banned substances and prescription-only medicinal ingredients. The product claimed to include vitamins and natural ingredients like cinnamon to aid in appetite control, detoxification, fat-burning, and metabolism boosting.
However, the HSA's testing revealed the presence of sibutramine, a substance previously approved for weight loss treatments in Singapore but now banned due to potential heart attack and stroke risks. The product also contained amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, fluoxetine, orlistat, and bisacodyl - all prescription-only or pharmacy-only medicines.
Sibutramine, once used in treating obesity, has been disallowed in Singapore since 2010 due to serious side effects such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations, and mood swings. Amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, potent diuretics, can cause low blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and electrolyte imbalances when combined.
Fluoxetine, a drug for treating depression and psychiatric disorders, can lead to insomnia, headaches, irregular heartbeat, diarrhoea, and nausea. Orlistat, used for obesity management, can cause headaches, abdominal pain, oily discharge from the rectum, liquid stools, flatulence, and fatigue if misused. Bisacodyl, an over-the-counter laxative, may cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea, potentially leading to intestinal harm and chronic constipation.
The HSA advises anyone who has purchased or consumed this product to discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor if they experience any health concerns related to weight. Consumers are urged to purchase only from trusted pharmacies or reputable retailers, and to be cautious of products making extravagant claims. All sellers and suppliers are instructed to cease selling the affected product, as those distributing health items with banned or potent ingredients may face prosecution with potential imprisonment and fines.
Those with information on illegal product sales can contact the HSA or submit feedback through their designated online form.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
