The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued an advisory on Friday alerting members of the public to an unregistered medicinal product labelled "OxyELITE Pro".

The product, which has not been approved for sale by HSA, has been linked to 24 cases of serious liver injuries in Hawaii, United States and one case in Hong Kong. Of the 24 cases in the US, 11 were hospitalised, one of whom has died as a result of complications. "OxyELITE Pro" is marketed overseas as a dietary supplement as a fat burner for rapid weight loss. It is labelled to contain herbal extracts.

Investigations by HSA found that the product is being sold illegally online in Singapore and people here may have bought it overseas. Preliminary laboratory tests conducted by HSA on capsules bought online found that they contained 1,3-dimethylamylamine and yohimbine, potent western medicinal ingredients that are not allowed to be present in supplements sold locally. Products with such ingredients need to be registered as medicinal products and can cause serious adverse effects when taken without medical supervision.

The HSA has not received any reports of adverse reactions associated with its use, but strongly advised those who are taking this product to stop immediately, or consult a doctor as soon as possible if they feel unwell after taking it. The authority also warned sellers to stop sales and distribution of the product. Anyone found selling such products will face a penalty fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years under the Poisons Act.

Members of the public who have any information on the sale of "OxyELITE Pro" may conduct HSA's enforcement branch at 6866-3485 during office hours or e-mail hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg