Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has just issued a warning to residents consuming two Malaysian health products purported to relieve general pains and rheumatisms, but which actually contained undeclared ingredients including, and not limited to, powerful steroids.
Two elderly women were taken to hospital after consuming the two products — Wan Ling Ren Sem Chin Kuo Pill and Chong Cao Dan — over the course of many years, believing the pills to contain nothing more than traditional herbs.
However, HSA tests revealed that both products contained dexamethasone, a powerful steroid, and Chong Cao Dan also contained frusemide (a diuretic) and chlorpheniramine (an anti-allergy medicine).
One woman in her 70s experienced adrenal issues after taking the pills for over five years. The other woman, in her 60s, began to experience fainting episodes. If she attempted to cease taking the pills, her symptoms would worsen. She soon developed Cushing’s syndrome, resulting in a rounded face and thinning skin.
Both women are now recovering.
Our sincerest apologies Singapore. We did not intend to inadvertently juice your elderly population.
