The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has alerted Singapore residents not to purchase or consume ‘Anyang Herbal Blue’ and 'Anyang Herbal Red’ sold online as they contain banned substance which can seriously impair the health. It has also directed immediate cessation of the sale of the products in Singapore.
HSA tested both the products and found that they contain very high levels of a banned substance, sibutramine. Moreover, ‘Anyang Herbal Red’ was found to contain undeclared western medicines- diclofenac (a painkiller) and phenolphthalein ( a laxative).
Serious anomaly was also found with Anyang Herbal Blue. Though the product claimed to have ‘no side effects’ but a female consumer complained of heart palpitations, nausea, trembling of hands and legs, sweating, insomnia and illusions after consuming it.
Both the products were sold on a social media platform. HSA has given directions for immediate cessation of sale of both these products.
It is pertinent to mention that sibutramine was previously available as a prescription-only weight loss drug but has been withdrawn from Singapore since 2010 due to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, consumers were taking about eight times the maximum allowable amount of sibutramine per day based on the labelled dosings of Anyang Herbal Blue and Anyang Herbal Red.
HSA has also issued media advisory that people should immediately stop taking both these products and consult a doctor if they feel unwell or concern about their health. It has also advised for exercising caution while purchasing health products online. They should also log on to the website www.healthdangers.sg to learn more about the dangers of buying illegal health products from dubious sources.
It is also mention worthy that anyone supplying illegal health products is liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 3 years and /or fined upto SGD 100,000.
