The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has issued a warning to the public against purchasing or consuming three products: ‘Fercy Dietary Supplement Product,’ ‘TANDUK RUSA KUAT LELAKI,’ and ‘mentalk candy.’
HSA’s analysis of these products revealed that they contain potent medicinal ingredients, including sibutramine, sennosides, sildenafil, and tadalafil. These products were available for sale on various local e-commerce platforms, and HSA has taken measures to remove them and alert the sellers.
- ‘Fercy Dietary Supplement Product’ was marketed as a supplement for hunger control and weight loss but contained sibutramine, a banned weight loss medicine with associated health risks. It also contained sennosides, a laxative, and falsely claimed to have passed a quality audit.
- ‘TANDUK RUSA KUAT LELAKI’ was presented as an herbal medicine with aphrodisiac effects but was found to contain high levels of sildenafil.
- ‘Mentalk candy,’ advertised as containing ginseng and coffee, contained excessive tadalafil levels, up to 57 times the recommended dose. Both sildenafil and tadalafil are prescription medications for erectile dysfunction and should only be used under medical supervision.
Banned ingredients:
- Sibutramine: A banned weight loss medicine, which is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems (e.g., psychosis and hallucinations).
- Sennosides: A laxative used for constipation relief, with adverse effects including diarrhea, dehydration, and mineral loss. Prolonged use may cause chronic constipation, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, bloating and abdominal pain.
- Sildenafil and Tadalafil: Potent erectile dysfunction medicines. Inappropriate use of sildenafil and tadalafil is dangerous and can increase the risk of serious adverse effects, including heart attack, stroke, headache, migraine, irregular heart rate and priapism (painful and exceedingly long erections).
Consumer Advisory:
Immediately discontinue the use of ‘Fercy Dietary Supplement Product,’ ‘TANDUK RUSA KUAT LELAKI,’ and ‘mentalk candy’ and seek medical advice if you experience discomfort or have health concerns.
Be cautious when purchasing products, especially online or from foreign sources, as the origin, production conditions, and potential adulteration of these items are uncertain. Adulterated products are often manufactured without quality control under substandard conditions. Different batches of the same product may vary in ingredient content or contain different harmful additives. Despite attractive packaging or labels claiming adherence to quality standards, unscrupulous manufacturers may falsely represent product safety and quality, even when they contain potent ingredients that can seriously endanger health.
When buying online, only make purchases from reputable pharmacies, well-established retailers’ websites, or businesses with a recognized physical presence in Singapore.
Seller and Supplier Advisory:
All sellers and suppliers are required to immediately cease the sale of these products. HSA will take strong enforcement measures against individuals or entities involved in distributing products that contain banned substances or potent ingredients. Those found guilty may face prosecution, including imprisonment for up to two years and/or fines of up to $50,000.
Members of the public who possess information regarding the illegal sale and distribution of these products are encouraged to contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch during office hours (Monday to Friday) via phone or email at hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
HSA: Health Sciences Authority
Link to the HSA announcement: https://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/press-release/three-products-potent-medicinal-ingredients-21Sep
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