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   Apr 18

HSA alerts public about Herbal Health Jointcare

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‘Herbal Health Jointcare’ was found to contain five undeclared potent Western medicinal ingredients. It claimed to contain only natural herbal ingredients. (Photo: Health Sciences Authority)

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has alerted members of the public about ‘Herbal Health Jointcare’, which was found to contain five undeclared potent Western medicinal ingredients, including a steroid.

The product, which provides relief for joint pain associated with conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis, claimed to contain natural herbal ingredients and to be free of steroids. It was also labelled as a product of Japan, although investigations question the product’s source.

‘Herbal Health Jointcare’ has been sold by Ace Nutrition International online and at their premises at Kallang Pudding Road.

HSA received two reports of unusually rapid pain relief associated with taking ‘Herbal Health Jointcare’ and became suspicious. A 60-year-old woman experienced relief within two days after taking the product for a frozen shoulder and joint pains. She informed her doctor of similar experiences by her friends, and is now under review for potential liver injury associated with the consumption of the product. Another customer became skeptical of his mother’s rapid pain relief after taking the product for only two weeks and also lodged a report with HSA.

HSA has advised those who have already consumed ‘Herbal Health Jointcare’ to consult a doctor as soon as possible — before they stop taking the product. Due to the presence of the undeclared potent steroid, sudden discontinuation could result in withdrawal symptoms such as confusion and low blood pressure.

The public is also advised to be wary of products that provide unexpected rapid pain relief. Complementary health products comprising natural ingredients are usually less potent than Western medicine.

The public should also be wary of complementary health products with exaggerated claims. ‘Herbal Health Jointcare’ claimed on its website that a 103-year-old woman was able to get up from her wheelchair and walk after taking the product for two weeks.

HSA will take strong enforcement actions against those involved in the sale and distribution of illegal health products. The penalty for selling complementary health prodcuts containing Western medicinal ingredients is a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to two years.

Members of the public who have any information on the sale of ‘Herbal Health Jointcare’ can contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at 68663485 or hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg during office hours.

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