Stomper warns of herbal product from Johor after friend admitted to hospital in 'critical condition'
A man is warning others of a herbal product called HW Beauty after his friend was admitted to hospital in "critical condition".
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has also issued an alert about the same product.
Stomper PMA said the product from Johor was sold online and many Singaporeans were using it.
"I took it for about one month after a friend introduced it to me," recounted the Stomper.
"It worked very well, eliminating all pains even a toothache, but I recently stopped using it due to hazy reasons as it seems too good to be true. Immediately, I had a fever and headaches for one week.
"I checked with HSA and they confirmed that it contains steroid. I contacted the seller, but they denied it as they claimed I had consumed a fake product.
"I am letting the public know to avoid this product at all cost as one of my friends was admitted to hospital in critical condition."
On Nov 19, HSA issued an alert that you should seek medical attention if you have consumed the product.
HSA's tests revealed that HW Beauty contained two potent steroids, which can cause serious adverse effects.
HSA said it had received feedback that the product unexpectedly provided instant pain relief and was similar to another adulterated product that HSA warned about in April.
Over the past weeks, HSA has also received a few suspected adverse event reports associated with this product. These included serious events of acute kidney injuries and Cushing's syndrome, a serious medical condition characterised by a round face or "moon face" appearance.
Two patients were hospitalised earlier in November and have since been discharged. Review of these cases are ongoing, added HSA.
HW Beauty was sold through various channels, including local e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Carousell and Lazada, social media platforms such as Tik Tok and local retail shops.
It is marketed as a "traditional herbal supplement passed down through generations" to relieve multiple medical conditions including joint pain and gout. The product was touted to be "steroid-free", a "genuine product" of "premium quality" which could deceive consumers that the product was safe.
HSA said it has worked with the local ecommerce platform administrators to remove listings of the product, and asked that they block or remove any future listings of the product.
The steroids in the product, dexamethasone and prednisolone, are usually prescribed for inflammatory conditions and should only be used under strict medical supervision.
Discontinuation of the steroids can lead to steroid withdrawal effects and adrenal insufficiency, where the body does not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones after stopping long-term steroid use. This may cause fatigue, generalised weakness, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, fits or shock.
HW Beauty also contains a potent anti-inflammatory painkiller called diclofenac that should only be used under close medical supervision, especially in consumers with underlying heart or kidney conditions. It can cause serious gastric bleeding, as well as cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke when used for a prolonged period, and can also worsen kidney function in patients with pre-existing kidney problems.
HSA added that it would not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with potent ingredients. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined up to $10,000.
Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of illegal products may contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at 6866-3485 during office hours or email hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
