The Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam wishes to inform the public that based on the report from the Drug Control Authorities in neighboring country, the following traditional medicines were found to be adulterated:
 

No.	Product Names	Manufacturer	Adulterant
1.	XP Tongkat Ali Supreme Capsule	Shenzen Qidentang Health Food  Co. Ltd, China	Tadalafil
2.	Phyto Shape or Phyto Hape	Etumax Corporation Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)	Sibutramine
3.	Etumax Eurycoma Activ Plus	Etumax Corporation Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)	Sildenafil

The adulterants detected in these traditional medicines are potent medicinal substance or prescription items used in the treatment of weight management and in male erectile dysfunction respectively which should only be used under proper medicinal supervision.

Some of the adverse effects that could occur from the unsupervised consumption of Sibutramine may include high blood pressure, heart palpitation and insomnia and in severe cases renal and hepatic impairments. Whereas, Sildenafil may include serious heart attack and severe hypotension, particularly in susceptible individuals with heart conditions and/or who are taking nitrate drugs. Uncontrolled consumption of both products without proper medical supervision is especially dangerous.

As for the unsupervised consumption of Sibutramine may include high blood pressure, heart palpitation and insomnia and in severe cases renal and hepatic impairments. Whereas, Sildenafil may include serious heart attack and severe hypotension, particularly in susceptible individuals with heart conditions and/or who are taking nitrate drugs. Uncontrolled consumption of both products without proper medical supervision is especially dangerous.

No approval has ever been given by the Ministry of Health for the importation and sale of these products. Following this report, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in the country. Consumers who have been taking the affected products are advised to stop taking them immediately and to discard them or surrender them to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section. Block 2G, 8th Floor, BSB HC in Jalan Ong Sum Ping, Bandar Seri Begawan. If they experience any adverse reactions or feel unwell, they should consult their doctors immediately

Members of the public involve in the retailing of the products are hereby reminded that it is an offence under the Poison Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the Poisons Act where the penalty for such an offence, upon conviction is a fine B$8,000.00 or imprisonment of 6 months.

For further information, the public can call the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2230036

 

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Tarikh: 3 Jamadilawal 1430H / 28 Mei 2009 M