Singapore: 12-Year-Old Boy Gains 6kg and Develops Stretch Marks After Misusing 'Steroid-Free' Herbal Cream

A herbal ointment that claimed to be 'steroid-free' has been found to secretly contain potent steroid ingredients, resulting in a 12-year-old boy in Singapore experiencing a 6kg weight gain and developing stretch marks on his legs after two months of continuous use.

After investigation, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore confirmed that the product contains strong steroids and antifungal drugs, and called on the public to immediately stop using three non-compliant products.

According to 8World News, the HSA recently issued a statement noting that products detected with prohibited or potent pharmaceutical ingredients include C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product, Xueya Gaodongfeng Qingcao Yaocao, and Bai Lian Shuang Herbal Repair Cream (B-Lian-S Herbal Cream).

The authorities stated that these products were sold under the guise of health supplements or herbal products, which by regulation should not contain any Western pharmaceutical ingredients. However, after receiving reports from doctors and consumers, tests found that the products were adulterated with potent steroids, antifungal drugs, and sibutramine—a weight loss drug long banned in Singapore.

During the investigation, authorities received three cases of consumers experiencing severe side effects, including heart palpitations, Cushing’s syndrome, and stretch marks.

One case involved a 12-year-old boy with eczema. After seeing a Facebook advertisement, his mother purchased Bai Lian Shuang Herbal Repair Cream from a Malaysian seller. The product claimed to have a natural herbal formula, contain no steroids, and help relieve eczema, psoriasis, skin redness, and itching.

However, after about two months of continuous use, the boy gained 6kg and developed obvious stretch marks on his legs. HSA laboratory testing revealed that the ointment actually contained potent steroids and antifungal drugs.

Further investigation found that the overseas seller’s social media account was linked to a Shopee store in Malaysia. HSA has since worked with the e-commerce platform to remove the product listings and notified the relevant enforcement authorities in Malaysia.

Weight Loss Supplement Contains Banned Drugs

Another case involved a woman who experienced heart palpitations, nausea, persistent thirst, and loss of appetite after taking the so-called dietary supplement C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product.

The product label listed chia seed powder and chili powder as ingredients, but testing revealed the inclusion of sibutramine—a weight loss drug that has been banned in Singapore since 2010—as well as undeclared laxative ingredients known as sennosides.

HSA noted that sibutramine was previously a prescription weight loss medication, but has been fully banned due to its increased risks of heart disease and stroke. The product was sold across platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Carousell, Facebook, and TikTok and has since been removed as required.

Woman Develops 'Moon Face' After 10 Days of Taking Herbal Medicine

The third case involved a woman in her 60s who, seeking relief from knee and back pain as well as improved blood circulation, took “Xueya Gaodongfeng Qingcao Yaocao” (herbal medicine for high blood pressure and stroke) for 10 consecutive days.

This product claimed to clear the blood vessels, relieve back pain, improve limb stiffness, and help treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.

However, the woman developed symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome after use, including a noticeably swollen face—known as 'moon face'—and abnormal accumulation of fat on her back. After stopping the medicine, she experienced general weakness.

Suspecting something was wrong, a relative who is a pharmacist alerted the HSA. Laboratory testing confirmed that the product contained dexamethasone—a potent steroid that requires a doctor’s prescription.

The HSA reminded those using 'Bai Lian Shuang Herbal Repair Cream' or 'Xueya Gaodongfeng Qingcao Yaocao' to seek medical attention as soon as possible and not to abruptly stop using these products, in order to avoid severe steroid withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure.

Consumers who have taken C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product should stop using it immediately, and seek medical advice if feeling unwell or concerned about their health.

The authorities also warned that anyone found selling or supplying products adulterated with banned or potent pharmaceutical ingredients may face up to two years in prison, a maximum fine of 10,000 Singapore dollars, or both.