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Slimming Pills, Medicine Banned
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Several cosmetic products including slimming pills that have gained popularity in the local market have been struck off and banned from being sold in the country after it was found to contain harmful substances.

According to a press release yesterday, the Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that based on the report from the Drug Control Authority of the neighbouring country, the traditional medicine, Kintop Capsules manufactured by Nature's Grace Medicine Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, was found to contain Sibutramine.

While another medicine, Qmax Capsules 350mg manufactured by Orient Laboratories Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, was found to contain Acetildenafil, Sildenafil analogue.

Sibutramine is a slimming agent and long term consumption may lead to high blood pressure, heart palpitation and insomnia. This substance cannot be used by individuals with a history of cerebrovascular disease or cardiovascular disorders such as cardiac arrythmias, heart failure, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, coronary and artery disease.

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It is also to be avoided by individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment.
Acetildenafil, a drug used in the treatment of impotency, can be harmful as the drug can interact with other medicines resulting in serious adverse effects such as the lowering of blood pressures if used together with some anti-hypertensive drugs. Adverse effects may include headache, dizziness, dyspepsia, visual disturbance, myocardial infarction, palpitations and death.

These two products are known to be present in the Brunei market and were found during an inspection. While the Ministry of Health acknowledged that the following cosmetic products are banned in neighbouring countries and the public is advised not to purchase or use any of these products.

A total of five cosmetic products had been banned in a neighbouring country due to adulteration with scheduled poisons: Dewajah Night Cream manufactured by Sri Mutiara Kosmetik Trading, Malaysia, is adulterated with Tretinoin; Dr's Seagar Skin Recon, manufactured by Best World Lifestyle Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, is adulterated with Hydroquinone and Tretinoin; GP Lotion, manufactured by Felisa Cosmetics Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, is adulterated by Tretinoin; Natural Lightening Cream manufactured by Rawatan Kecantikan Ains, Selangor, Malaysia, is adulterated by Hydroquinone; and Sri Mutiara Krim Kecantikan Malam manufactured by Sri Mutiara Kosmetik Trading, Johor, Malaysia, is adulterated by Tretinoin.

Tretinoin is a poison, which may only be prescribed by a doctor. Use of this substance without the supervision of a doctor may expose the individual to side effect such as local irritations including burning, erythemia, stinging, pruritis, dry or peeling skin and skin pigmentation.

Hydroquinone is a poison, which may only be prescribed by a doctor. The harm that may arise from the use of this substance without doctor supervision are skin irritation, reddening and burning of the skin, nephropathy, leukaemia and hepatocellular adenoma.

According to an officer from the Pharmacy Enforcement Section, they are not aware of the presence of these products in Brunei.

All these affected products contain substances which are controlled under the Poisons Act (Chapter 114) and it is an offence to import, sell or offer for sale any product containing a poison without licence issued by the Ministry of Health.

The ministry reminds the public that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the Poisons Act and the penalty for such an offence, upon conviction is a fine of $8,000 or imprisonment of 6 months.

Anyone in possession of affected products is advised to destroy or surrender them to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section, Block 2G 8th floor, BSB Health Centre in Jalan Ong Sum Ping, Bandar Seri Begawan. For further information, call the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2230036. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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