The Health Sciences Authority, HSA, is strongly advising
consumers who have purchased a product called "Huo Luo Jing Dan"
not to consume it.
If they have done so, they should seek medical advice if they feel
unwell or are concerned about their health.
The product was brought to the attention of HSA’s Vigilance Branch
following an adverse reaction report submitted by a doctor
who
suspected that his patient suffered an adverse effect from the
product.
The adverse reaction report involved a 50 year-old female
patient.
She developed swelling of the throat following an infection which
did not heal readily and was hospitalised.
The patient was also reported to have developed facial features
(moon face).
She was found to have taken the product for several years which
likely is the cause of her reduced immunity and altered facial
features.
She has since recovered and was discharged from the hospital after
discontinuing the product.
HSA says its tests showed that the product contains three potent
undeclared western medicinal ingredients, namely indomethacin,
dexamethasone and prednisolone.
Their prolonged use can cause harmful effects such as weak bones
leading to osteoporosis, increased risk of contracting severe
infection and increased blood pressure, stomach bleeding and
ulceration and kidney failure.
"Huo Luo Jing Dan" has been promoted as a Chinese medicine to
improve blood circulation, to relieve pain, rheumatism, arthritis,
limbs numbness and body ache.
The product is packaged in a dark plastic bottle with gold-coloured
label and contains red capsules.
HSA's investigations revealed that the manufacturer of the product
as stated on the product insert "China Tian Jin Ren Ji" is
fraudulent and does not exist.
The patient had bought the product through a friend who could not
be contacted.
HSA strongly urges members of the public who are aware of the
product being sold illegally, to provide information to assist
investigation by contacting its Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866
3485 (24-hour line) or Email: [email protected]
It also reminds consumers are reminded of the risks of purchasing
health products from dubious sources. In addition, consumers are
advised to be wary of products that promise quick cures of serious
conditions with claims that sound too good to be true.
--938Live