Title: Two Health Supplements Adulterated with Undeclared Poisons

(B.S. City, 16th) The Ministry of Health hereby reminds the public that laboratory tests by the Pharmaceutical Services Department have found two health supplement products adulterated with poisons listed under the Poison Act of 1956 without declaration.
Affected health products are as follows:
1. Product: Sea Dragon Sea Horse Zhiyang Wan NA adulterated with Dexamethasone, Betamethasone, and Chlorpheniramine.
2. Product: Xiangli Xinkang Nasal Sensitivity Jiu adulterated with Dexamethasone, Betamethasone, and Chlorpheniramine.
The adulterants found in these products may cause adverse effects to users and can be harmful.
Side effects such as dizziness, lowered blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression, and convulsions are possible when Chlorpheniramine is used without supervision.
Long-term use of potent corticosteroids like Dexamethasone and Betamethasone can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, resulting in diabetes, hypertension, cataracts, muscle and bone diseases, and increased infection risk.
Long-term use of corticosteroids may also lead to Cushing's syndrome, characterized by a round face or "moon face," along with upper body obesity and thin limbs. Consumers who have been consuming high doses of steroids for a long time 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 import and sale of these products. Based on the investigation results, these products are prohibited from being imported and sold in Brunei.
Consumers who have purchased or used these products are advised to stop using them immediately. If you experience discomfort or any adverse reactions during use, you should seek medical help promptly.
This serves as a reminder to the public involved in retailing these products (including through online retail on Facebook and other platforms) that according to the Poison Act of 1956, selling any products containing substances regulated by this law is illegal and, upon conviction, can result in an 8000-dollar fine or 6 months imprisonment.
Furthermore, if an individual’s actions constitute gross negligence, or can endanger human lives, the individual can be deemed guilty and be subject to a 16,000-dollar fine and 12 months imprisonment.
The Ministry of Health also calls for public cooperation to report to the Compliance and Licensing Division if any such products are still found on the market in the country.
For more information and communication, the public can call 2393301 extension 208 to contact the Compliance and Licensing Division, send an email to
pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; visit the Pharmacy Services Department 1st Floor Compliance and Licensing Division located at Mukim Gadong A, Kg. Madaras; or call Talian Darussalam 123.