(Bandar Seri Begawan, 3rd) The Ministry of Health is reminding the public that, after laboratory testing conducted by the Pharmaceutical Laboratory of the Ministry's Scientific Services Department, a health supplement was found to contain undeclared poisons listed under the Poisons Act.
The health supplement identified is named Herba Kunyit Hitam, manufactured by HKH Warisan Tok Melah (Sungai, Perak).
Adulterated ingredients: Dexamethasone & Betamethasone
The adulterants detected in this product may pose potential harm to consumers.
Prolonged unsupervised use of potent corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone and betamethasone) can result in elevated blood sugar, leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscle and skeletal disorders, and increased risk of infections.
Long-term use of corticosteroids can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome, characterized by a round face or “moon face” and upper body obesity with slender limbs.
Those who suddenly stop taking large doses of corticosteroids after prolonged use may experience withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and dehydration.
The Ministry of Health has not approved the importation or sale of this product. In view of these findings, the product must not be imported or sold in Brunei.
The public who have purchased or used this product are advised to stop using it immediately. If you feel unwell or experience any adverse reactions after use, you should also consult a doctor.
The public is reminded that any retail of this product (including online sales via Facebook and other platforms) is illegal under the Poisons Act of 1956. Those convicted are liable to a fine of $8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.
Furthermore, if an individual’s negligence is such that it endangers or is likely to endanger human life, that person is deemed guilty and liable to a $16,000 fine and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The Ministry also urges public cooperation. If the product is still circulating in the local market, please report it to the Compliance and Licensing Division.
For more information and communication, the public may contact the Compliance and Licensing Division at 2393301 ext. 208; email pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; visit in person at 1st Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kg. Madaras, Mukim Gadong A; or call Talian Darussalam at 123.
The health supplement identified is named Herba Kunyit Hitam, manufactured by HKH Warisan Tok Melah (Sungai, Perak).
Adulterated ingredients: Dexamethasone & Betamethasone
The adulterants detected in this product may pose potential harm to consumers.
Prolonged unsupervised use of potent corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone and betamethasone) can result in elevated blood sugar, leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscle and skeletal disorders, and increased risk of infections.
Long-term use of corticosteroids can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome, characterized by a round face or “moon face” and upper body obesity with slender limbs.
Those who suddenly stop taking large doses of corticosteroids after prolonged use may experience withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and dehydration.
The Ministry of Health has not approved the importation or sale of this product. In view of these findings, the product must not be imported or sold in Brunei.
The public who have purchased or used this product are advised to stop using it immediately. If you feel unwell or experience any adverse reactions after use, you should also consult a doctor.
The public is reminded that any retail of this product (including online sales via Facebook and other platforms) is illegal under the Poisons Act of 1956. Those convicted are liable to a fine of $8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.
Furthermore, if an individual’s negligence is such that it endangers or is likely to endanger human life, that person is deemed guilty and liable to a $16,000 fine and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The Ministry also urges public cooperation. If the product is still circulating in the local market, please report it to the Compliance and Licensing Division.
For more information and communication, the public may contact the Compliance and Licensing Division at 2393301 ext. 208; email pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; visit in person at 1st Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kg. Madaras, Mukim Gadong A; or call Talian Darussalam at 123.