HSA warns against illegal capsules

These illegal capsules are being sold as herbal or traditional medicines to treat arthritic and joint pain, and promote blood circulation.

The Health Sciences Authority said two patients have suffered serious adverse reactions, one of whom was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after taking these capsules.

Samples of the capsules, according to HSA, were tested and found to contain an undeclared potent western medicine called dexamethasone. These capsules are also not adequately labelled and are not approved by HSA.

Three different case reports on these illegal capsules have been reported to HSA's Vigilance Branch. Investigations by HSA officers revealed that the capsules were bought from peddlers or from friends.

The officers also detected that the implicated capsules appeared similar in presentation, which were either green-white or blue-white in colour, packaged in transparent bottles, and come with a slip of paper with a printed list of herbal ingredients.

Tests done at HSA's Pharmaceutical Laboratory confirmed that these capsules were adulterated with dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is a very potent steroid used for anti-inflammatory purposes and should only be taken under strict supervision by doctors.

HSA said dexamethasone can cause serious adverse effects such as increased blood glucose leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, eye, muscular and bone disorders, and can cause serious symptoms upon withdrawal. Members of the public who have consumed the above-mentioned coloured capsules are urged to consult a doctor immediately.