(Bandar Seri Begawan, 3rd) The Ministry of Health of Brunei has issued a notice stating that, after laboratory testing by the Scientific Services Division Pharmacy Section, a health supplement called Midos Sujin Tonmainin was found to be adulterated with undeclared controlled drug substances, in violation of the provisions of the Poisons Act 1956.
According to the notice, this product is manufactured by Nam King Drugs in Penang, Malaysia, and was found to contain two potent corticosteroids: Dexamethasone and Betamethasone.
The Ministry of Health reminds the public that taking these steroids long-term without medical supervision may cause elevated blood sugar, leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, musculoskeletal diseases, and increased risk of infections. Prolonged use may also cause Cushing’s syndrome, symptoms of which include “moon face,” upper body obesity, and thin limbs. If high doses are taken long-term and then stopped suddenly, withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and dehydration may occur.
The Ministry emphasizes that this product has never been approved for import or sale in Brunei and is now banned from both importation and domestic sale. Members of the public who have purchased or used it should stop using it immediately, and if they experience any discomfort or adverse reactions, should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Furthermore, any sale of this product, including through online platforms, constitutes illegal activity. Under the Poisons Act 1956, upon conviction, offenders may be fined $8,000 or imprisoned for 6 months; if negligence causes or may cause danger to another’s life, the maximum penalty is a $16,000 fine and 12 months' imprisonment.
The Ministry of Health urges that if anyone finds this product still being circulated in the market, they should report it to the Enforcement and Licensing Section of the Pharmacy Services, by calling 2393301 extension 208, emailing pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn
, or by calling the Darussalam hotline at 123 for inquiries or complaints.
The Ministry of Health reminds the public that taking these steroids long-term without medical supervision may cause elevated blood sugar, leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, musculoskeletal diseases, and increased risk of infections. Prolonged use may also cause Cushing’s syndrome, symptoms of which include “moon face,” upper body obesity, and thin limbs. If high doses are taken long-term and then stopped suddenly, withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and dehydration may occur.
The Ministry emphasizes that this product has never been approved for import or sale in Brunei and is now banned from both importation and domestic sale. Members of the public who have purchased or used it should stop using it immediately, and if they experience any discomfort or adverse reactions, should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Furthermore, any sale of this product, including through online platforms, constitutes illegal activity. Under the Poisons Act 1956, upon conviction, offenders may be fined $8,000 or imprisoned for 6 months; if negligence causes or may cause danger to another’s life, the maximum penalty is a $16,000 fine and 12 months' imprisonment.
The Ministry of Health urges that if anyone finds this product still being circulated in the market, they should report it to the Enforcement and Licensing Section of the Pharmacy Services, by calling 2393301 extension 208, emailing pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn
, or by calling the Darussalam hotline at 123 for inquiries or complaints.