The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is alerting members of the public not to purchase or consume “骨節靈 (Gu Jie Ling)”.
The product, labelled as a “traditional medicine” containing various herbal ingredients, had claimed to be “made entirely from traditional Chinese medicines”, had “no side effects” and could be “safely used” for symptomatic relief of backache, and joint and muscular pain.
However, contrary to its claims, the product was found to contain harmful substances that can lead to adverse reactions, including a condition known as “moon face syndrome.” The HSA is urging both sellers and suppliers to immediately stop the sale of this product.
In a statement released on Thursday (1 February), the HSA revealed that 骨節靈 (Gu Jie Ling) claims to provide symptomatic relief of backache, and joint and muscular pain. However, upon analyzing the product’s ingredients, HSA discovered the presence of dexamethasone (steroid) and cetirizine (antihistamine) in the product.
The product was also labelled with a Malaysian product registration number which gave the impression that the product was registered by the Malaysian health authority. However, the registration number stated was not valid based on HSA’s checks on the Malaysian health authority’s website, suggesting that it may be an illegal product. HSA has alerted its Malaysian counterpart to this product.
According to HSA, Dexamethasone, when used without proper medical supervision, can lead to increased blood sugar levels, leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, an increased risk of infections and Cushing’s syndrome. Sudden discontinuation of steroids without proper medical supervision can cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure.
Cetirizine, on the other hand, is an antihistamine used to relieve allergic reactions and should be used under medical supervision. Adverse effects from the use of cetirizine include drowsiness, fatigue, headache and dry mouth.
The HSA highlighted a case involving a woman in her 60s who had been consuming the product 骨節靈 (Gu Jie Ling) for several months to relieve her foot pain. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome. The product was recommended by her husband’s friend who had purchased it from a “traditional medicine shop” in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
HSA warns the public against self-medication and consumers are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they are currently consuming 骨節靈 (Gu Jie Ling). Additionally, the HSA is reminding consumers to exercise caution when purchasing products from overseas, or from unknown sources as it cannot be certain where and how these products were made and whether they have been adulterated with harmful ingredients. Individuals experiencing chronic medical conditions are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for expert advice.
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All sellers and suppliers must stop selling this product immediately. HSA said it will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with potent medicinal ingredients. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $10,000.
