HSA: Weight loss product sold on Shopee & Lazada found to contain banned substance, prescription-only medicinal ingredients

A weight loss product sold online has been found to contain banned substances and prescription-only medicinal ingredients that may be harmful to health.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has warned the public about a product named "Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set”, sold on local e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada.

The product claimed to contain vitamins and natural ingredients, such as cinnamon, to help with appetite control, detoxification, fat-burning and boosting metabolism.

It was sold as a set of four packets containing loose tablets and capsules, with instructions on the dosage to be taken in the morning and at night, printed in Thai.

Notably, the packets were labelled as from “Dermcare clinic” with no product name or ingredients listed.

HSA's testing has revealed that the product contains a banned substance, sibutramine, and five potent medicinal ingredients: amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, fluoxetine, orlistat and bisacodyl.

Most of these ingredients are found in prescription-only or pharmacy-only medicines, and are not allowed to be purchased over-the-counter.

HSA has advised those who have purchased or consumed the product to stop taking it immediately.

What are these substances?

Sibutramine, formerly a prescription-only weight loss medicine used in the treatment of obesity, has been disallowed for sale in Singapore since 2010 due to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It has been associated with serious side effects, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations, and mood swings.

Amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide are potent diuretics, drugs which induce urination.

They can remove excess fluid from the body and should be used only under medical supervision.

The combination of these two diuretics can lead to an increased risk of adverse effects, including low blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and electrolyte imbalances.

Fluoxetine is a prescription-only medicine to treat depression and psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders, and should only be used under medical supervision. Adverse effects of fluoxetine include insomnia, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, diarrhoea and nausea.

Orlistat is a pharmacy-only medicine used in the management of obesity, which prevents the body from absorbing consumed fat.

It should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Inappropriate use can cause headaches, abdominal pain, oily discharge from rectum, liquid stools, flatulence and fatigue.

Bisacodyl, the only over-the-counter medication in the list, is a laxative which can cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

Its prolonged use can harm intestinal function, resulting in chronic constipation.

What next?

HSA urged consumers of the product to stop taking it immediately and see a doctor if they are unwell or concerned about their weight.

The public is advised to steer clear of products from unknown or unverified sources, only buy from trusted pharmacies or reputable retailers with an established presence in Singapore, as well as be cautious and wary of products that claim to deliver quick and miraculous results.

All sellers and suppliers are instructed to stop the sale of "Dermcare weight (D30 & Sstrong Set) Daily Health Support Set” immediately.

Those that sell health items with banned or potent ingredients are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to five years and/ or fined up to S$50,000.

Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of illegal products may contact HSA at 6866 3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday), or write in to [email protected] or http://www.go.gov.sg/hprg-feedback-form.