SINGAPORE - The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Tuesday warned the public not to buy or consume eight illegal health products which are available here through online sites.
The products, marketed as dietary and sports nutrition supplements, were found to contain "potent Western medicinal ingredients" which are not allowed in supplements sold in Singapore, HSA said.
The products are:
- Nutrex Research Lipo 6 Black Ultra Concentrate;
- Nutrex Research Lipo 6 Unlimited;
- Primaforce Yohimbine HCL;
- Muscletech Neurocore Grape / Muscletech Neurocore Fruit Punch;
- Muscletech Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite;
- Xenadrine XT Xtreme Thermogenic;
- BSN N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Advanced Strength;
- Skinny 22
The products were detected through HSA's ongoing surveillance of Internet sales activities.
"Our investigations show that some consumers in Singapore may have bought the products online. A number of sellers are currently assisting HSA with investigations," said the agency.
The eight products were marketed for energy boosting, muscle building or weight loss purposes.
The Western medicinal ingredients present in the eight products may cause serious adverse reactions and interact with other medications that consumers are taking, HSA said. The ingredients and their possible ill effects are as follows:
- Yohimbine may cause insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, chest pain, sweating, blurred vision and high blood pressure;
- Raubasine may cause gastric discomfort, dizziness, hypotension, confusion and rapid heartbeat;
- Vinpocetine may cause facial flushing, decrease of blood pressure, dizziness, headache, insomnia, sleep disturbances and rapid heart rate;
- Deanol may cause constipation, itching, insomnia, restlessness, and headache; and
- Phenolphthalein may cause rashes, abdominal cramps, breathing difficulties and kidney disorders.
HSA advised those consuming these products to stop immediately, and to consult a doctor if they feel unwell.
Anyone convicted of selling these illegal products may face a penalty fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Poisons Act, or both.
Under the Medicines Act, they may also be fined up to $5,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.
