No such thing as instant cure: Over 100 people harmed by illegal health products since 2012

HSA warns against buying cheap products that promise instant cures from unknown sources

(From left): Some illegal health products seized; they include steroids and sleeping pills; creams that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers.
Some illegal health products seized (above); they include steroids and sleeping pills; creams that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers. PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
(From left): Some illegal health products seized; they include steroids and sleeping pills; creams that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers.
Some illegal health products seized; they include steroids and sleeping pills (above); creams that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers. PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
(From left): Some illegal health products seized; they include steroids and sleeping pills; creams that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers.
Some illegal health products seized; they include steroids and sleeping pills; creams (above) that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers. PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
(From left): Some illegal health products seized; they include steroids and sleeping pills; creams that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers.
Some illegal health products seized; they include steroids and sleeping pills; creams that promise both "extra whitening" effects and a "face lift"; and products popular with gym goers (above). PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
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If it sounds too good to be true, it is probably not good for your health.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned against snapping up health products from unknown suppliers that promise instant cures or are being offered at unusually low prices.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 27, 2019, with the headline No such thing as instant cure: Over 100 people harmed by illegal health products since 2012. Subscribe