Singapore Health Sciences Authority to seize 1.12 million units of illegal health products in 2023

The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) continues to crack down on the sale and supply of illegal health products at targeted hotspots and online.

Today’s HSA media release summarized actions taken by the agency in 2023 regarding illegal health products. According to the report, more than 1.12 million illegal health products were seized and a list of nearly 12,500 illegal health products was compiled through targeted operations, information sharing, and joint enforcement efforts with domestic and international agencies. It has been removed from local e-commerce and social media sites. platform.

These products were unregistered, counterfeit, or had potent medicinal ingredients or illegally added prohibited substances.

Seized health products increase by more than 50 percent

Compared to 2022, the number of illegal health products seized by HSA increased by more than 50% in 2023.

The types of products seized were similar, with sexual enhancement products, male vitality products, and addictive medicines such as codeine cough syrup and sedatives continuing to be the most common categories. [Figure 2.1].

The 50% increase in seized products comes as a result of increased surveillance and enforcement in hotspot areas, including a major operation in June 2023 in collaboration with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) to crack down on suspected illegal codeine syndicates. This is due to the fact that

The operation was the largest since 2019 involving illegal codeine syndicates. Approximately 190 liters of codeine cough syrup (equivalent to approximately 2,100 90ml prescription-sized bottles typically dispensed in clinics) and assorted tablets were seized, making this one of the largest seizures in India. For the past 5 years.

Nearly 12,500 product listings have been removed from online platforms

In 2023, HSA also worked with local e-commerce and social media platform operators to remove 12,474 listings of illegal health products. This is an almost three-fold increase compared to the 4,569 listings removed in 2022.

This significant increase was primarily due to two Interpol-led international operations targeting online sales of sexual enhancement products and other health products, conducted in June 2023 and October 2023. .

Additionally, HSA leverages technology such as e-commerce monitoring tools to help us more quickly identify and remove violating listings.

The majority of the removed listings sold products that increased sexual enhancement or male vitality. Hair and beauty products such as anti-hair loss treatments. Skin whitening products containing facial fillers and impurities. Products related to the new coronavirus infection, such as test kits and symptom relief products. weight loss products. Contraceptives; products for the management of chronic diseases (eczema, psoriasis, gout, diabetes, hypertension, etc.).

A total of 1,895 sellers received warnings from HSA. Based on the information available in these removed listings, approximately 48% of these sellers were based in Singapore.

Prosecution measures against illegal health products

Between 2021 and 2023, HSA prosecuted 55 people for selling and supplying illegal health products.

The agency will continue to take strict enforcement action against those who sell or supply illegal health products. Sellers and suppliers of such products may be prosecuted and, if convicted, face imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to S$100,000.

Among the 16 people indicted in 2023, one notable case involved the illegal import and sale of medicines on Telegram.

HSA worked with the Immigration and Checkpoints Agency (ICA) to target illegal activities by sellers. This culminated in successful operations at the Woodlands Checkpoint and Ang Mo Kio Commercial Force.

In total, more than 94,000 sedatives and codeine tablets were seized, along with about 45 liters of cough syrup (equivalent to about 500 prescription-sized bottles) with an estimated street value of about S$190,000. The 35-year-old male vendor was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison.

Products found to contain powerful ingredients and/or prohibited substances

Over the past year, HSA has issued public warnings about 15 illegal health products detected through adverse event reports from medical professionals, consumer feedback, or HSA surveillance.

These products were laced with powerful ingredients, banned substances, or were unregistered.

The most common contaminants detected were sibutramine (a banned substance) and powerful steroids such as dexamethasone, betamethasone, and prednisolone.

Sibutramine was found in five products marketed for weight loss, and steroids were found in five products marketed for pain relief and the management of chronic conditions such as cough and gout.

At least 13 people reported side effects through their doctors or directly to the HSA after consuming or using one of the 15 illegal health products. Some of them have experienced serious side effects such as Cushing’s syndrome and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

These products were purchased online, from local hawkers, or from abroad through friends and relatives, and sold to meet various health and lifestyle needs.

Serious negative effects caused by illegal health products

Four consumers developed serious side effects after consuming four products tested by HSA and found to contain dexamethasone and other steroids.

Case study 1

One of the victims, a man in his 30s, had obtained a product called DND Rx9 from an online retailer based in Malaysia. He had been taking it for several months to manage his gout, but then he developed symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. This is a severe steroid-induced disease characterized by a round or “full moon face” appearance and abnormal blood results.

His doctor suspected that the product may have been adulterated with steroids and reported the matter to the HSA. Of his three remaining consumers who took steroid-laced products, two developed Cushing’s syndrome and one had abnormal blood cortisol levels.

Case study 2

Another product sold online, EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream, caused a man in his 30s to develop purpura. This is a skin reaction characterized by purplish-red spots due to small bleeding under the skin.

The product was promoted as “steroid-free,” “100% natural herbal,” and “conquer eczema for good with this powerful natural formula.” However, when the HSA tested the product, it was found to contain betamethasone (a steroid) and extremely high levels of arsenic, more than 430 times the permissible limit.

A man who had been using EUZEMA Confidence Revival Cream for a year said: I thought it would be inconvenient to report and that someone else would probably report it, but that wasn’t the case. ”

His doctor, Dr. Quan Linh Yee of the National Skin Center, warned: However, you should be aware that, especially with the advancement of the Internet, you may encounter incorrect information or misrepresentations of products. ”

Case study 3

Three men in their 30s experienced serious side effects after inappropriately taking modafinil or armodafinil to maintain alertness or improve alertness. They developed multiple canker sores, as well as symptoms such as rash, fever, and conjunctivitis.

Two developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). This is a life-threatening skin disease that causes blisters and severe peeling of the skin.

Modafinil and armodafinil are powerful drugs that are only prescribed by doctors for medical conditions such as narcolepsy and should be used under medical supervision.

Self-medication with modafinil or armodafinil to stay alert or improve concentration can cause serious side effects, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, hallucinations, and mania. Therefore, it can be harmful.

Severe skin reactions, such as SJS and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have also been reported with the use of modafinil and armodafinil, which can lead to hospitalization, severe complications, and even death.

Singapore authorities advise people to protect their health

Associate Professor Lee Hau Yue from Singapore General Hospital, who treated one of the hospitalized consumers, said: “Avoid obtaining medicines from unregulated sources or online platforms and consult your doctor before taking any new medicines. Please seek advice,” he advised.

Consumers must play their part in protecting their own health. Unlike other goods such as clothing or household appliances, quality defects in health products such as medicines and dietary supplements can be easily identified by individuals.

Associate Professor Chan Cheng Leng, Group Director, HSA Health Products Regulation Group

HSA officials told the public, “We do not know whether health products are substandard or contain harmful medicinal ingredients, and the negative effects on human health are serious and may even lead to death.” ‘ he warned.

Consumer advisories issued by HSA

Illegal health products remain a threat to public health and safety. As long as there is demand, unscrupulous companies will continue to produce and sell products that claim to improve health quickly.

HSA has issued the following advisory to consumers, listing ways in which illegal health products can harm the public.

• False claims and harmful ingredients: Illegal health products are often falsely promoted as “natural,” “herbal,” or as providing instant or miraculous results. In fact, they contain undeclared powerful ingredients that can cause serious side effects if used without medical supervision.
• Lack of quality control, manufacturing and product information: We don’t know how these products were made, what ingredients they contained, or under what conditions they were manufactured and stored.
• Consumers have no means: It can be difficult to determine the source of products purchased from unknown or unfamiliar sellers, such as overseas, online, or street peddlers. Therefore, if something goes wrong, consumers may not be able to claim damages or receive a refund.

Follow ABCD steps to stay safe

You cannot know for sure whether a health product is illegal or harmful just by looking at the product or its packaging. Therefore, consumers are advised to always be vigilant and follow ABCD procedures before purchasing or consuming health products.

• answer: Avoid purchasing from suspicious or unknown sources. Even if a product is recommended to you by someone you trust, find out who and what you’re buying from. As a general guideline, buy from trusted sources, such as pharmacies and established retailers. When purchasing via e-commerce platforms or the internet, consumers are strongly encouraged to purchase from companies that have an established retail presence.
• B: Be wary of deals that sound too attractive. If the price is much lower than you expected or the product information seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Child: Check claims and products. Not all claims promoted may be true and may be exaggerated or over-promised. Don’t be fooled by positive product testimonials or online reviews as they cannot be verified. Consumers can also refer to HSA’s notified health supplements and traditional medicines database (https://www.hsa.gov.sg/vns-list) before making a purchase.
• D: If you are unsure about the compatibility of your product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Members of the public with information regarding the sale and supply of these illegal products should contact the HAS Enforcement Department during business hours (Monday to Friday) at 6866-3485 or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg Please contact.