The Ministry of Health (MoH) has raised a red flag on three health products after the Pharmacy Section, the Department of Scientific Services and the Ministry of Health tested them. They were found to be tainted with undeclared, potent Western medications.
The three health products that received a warning signal include:
- Madam Kate Detox Capsule – adulterated with Sibutramine; manufacturer is unknown
- Lorenxo Delicious Pure Chocolate Tablet 1000 mg – adulterated with Tadalafil; manufacturer is Lorenzo Health, New Zealand
- Vigra Pills 6800 mg – adulterated with Sildenafil; manufacturer is American Couple Biotechnology Co Ltd, USA.
The adulterated drugs found in these products are known to cause adverse effects to the users if they are used without a prescription.
Sibutramine is a body-slimming agent, which is no longer recommended for treating obesity because it was found to have detrimental effects on the heart and liver. Also, it is known to have side effects has increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and kidney or liver damage.
Sildenafil and Tadalafil are prescription drugs that are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), which can only be recommended by a certified doctor. If used in association with nitrates or alpha-blockers, these ED drugs can decrease the blood pressure to a potentially dangerous level. In severe cases, they may also cause an increase in heart rate or vision impairment.
The products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
People who have purchased or used these health products are recommended to stop using them immediately. If they have used any of them and experience undesirable effects, they should immediately seek medical attention.
Those who are involved in the retail of these products are warned about legal actions.
