The Health Sciences Authority, HSA, is warning the public
against taking a traditional medicine labeled as “Air Ikan
Haruan”
This after an undeclared potent medicinal substance, called
dexamethasone was detected in it.
It was found in the course of investigating a report of a
serious adverse drug reaction associated with the consumption of
this product recently.
The elderly patient had been taking the adulterated product,
purchased overseas, for pain relief for more than a year.
She was reported to have developed symptoms of weakness,
fatigue, widespread body aches, loss of appetite and weight loss
after stopping the product.
These HSA says are symptoms of abrupt dexamethasone
withdrawal.
Dexamethasone is a prescription drug commonly used to treat
inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
HSA says the unsupervised and prolonged usage of dexamethasone
is associated with serious adverse reactions such as irregular
heartbeat, increased blood pressure, cholesterol and blood
sugar,
“Air Ikan Haruan” has not been found in the local retail
outlets.
However, HSA is concerned that the public may have purchased the
product from overseas and been inadvertently exposed to serious
health hazards caused by this adulterated product.
“Air Ikan Haruan” is packaged in small bottles.
Its label makes a slew of claims, such as “cleanse dirty blood,
ease itchy skin, cure internal injury, boost energy, ease dry
cough, promote maternal health after childbirth”.
HSA strongly advises anyone who has purchased this product not
to consume it.
In the event they have consumed this product, they should seek
medical advice if they feel unwell or are concerned about their
health.
Anyone who comes across “Air Ikan Haruan” sold illegally is
encouraged to report to HSA’s Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866
3485
--938Live