Slimming pills among products with potent or banned medicinal ingredients: HSA

SINGAPORE – The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued an alert on June 28 over three products sold here after they were found to contain banned or potent ingredients, including sibutramine – an appetite suppressant – and high levels of mercury.

The products are 88 Total White Underarm Cream, Sausando Cellulite Pills and Pelangsing Double Strong – the last two having been marketed as weight loss products.

They were sold on multiple local e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Lazada. The 88 Total White Underarm Cream was also sold in a retail shop in Lucky Plaza as well as e-marketplace Carousell.

HSA has worked with the platform administrators to remove listings for these products, and will take enforcement actions against online sellers.

Two of the products caused consumers to be hospitalised after they suffered severe reactions.

A woman in her 30s was hospitalised after using the 88 Total White Underarm Cream on her underarms for a month. The cream was said to provide a whitening effect and smooth skin, and reduce body odour.

She had developed a severe rash affecting most parts of her body, as well as liver impairment and jaundice.

She was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) – which can be life-threatening – due to mercury exposure.

HSA’s analysis revealed that the cream contained a high level of mercury and two other potent medicinal ingredients – betamethasone and salicylic acid.

Long-term exposure to high levels of mercury – which is a toxic heavy metal – can cause serious health consequences. It is prohibited for use in cosmetic products.

The woman had bought the cream from a retail shop in Lucky Plaza, where all stocks of the item have been seized. Investigations are ongoing.

Citing another case of severe reaction in consumers, HSA said that a man in his 50s was hospitalised after he experienced seizures, low level of sodium in blood and vomiting.

He had been taking Sausando Cellulite Pills - which were marketed for weight loss - for five months. The product claimed it could cause one to “lose weight fast in 7 days” and was a “natural health food”.

Another female consumer experienced thirst, insomnia, and heart palpitations after using the product.

HSA’s analysis of the Sausando Cellulite Pills detected potent medicinal ingredients such as sibutramine, frusemide and phenolphthalein.

The authority said it was also alerted to the online sale of Pelangsing Double Strong, which was marketed as a slimming supplement “to lose weight and maintain ideal body weight”. It was also found to contain sibutramine.

Sibutramine is a prescription-only weight loss medicine banned here since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Other serious health consequences reported include heart problems, seizures and central nervous system disorders such as hallucinations.

HSA advised users of the 88 Total White Underarm Cream to see a doctor as soon as possible. Sudden stopping of products containing steroids without medical supervision may worsen underlying skin conditions such as eczema. It can also result in other serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue.

Consumers should also stop taking Sausando Cellulite Pills and Pelangsing Double Strong immediately and consult a doctor if feeling unwell, the authority said June 28.

“There is no quick and easy way to lose weight. Weight control should be achieved through a combination of balanced diet and appropriate exercise. If you need help managing your weight, please consult your doctor or dietitian,” said HSA, adding that consumers should be wary of products with exaggerated claims.

Consumers should also be cautious when buying products from unfamiliar sources or online as they cannot be certain where and how these products were made and whether they have been adulterated with harmful ingredients.

HSA also said that all sellers and suppliers must stop selling these products immediately.

“HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with banned substances, potent ingredients or toxic heavy metals beyond the allowable limits,” it said.

If convicted, they may be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.