​The Ministry of Health would like to alert members of the public to three types of health products which have been tested and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine. These products were found through post-marketing surveillance activities conducted by the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at retail outlets.

The affected health products are listed below:

Whilst the nine (9) cosmetic products listed below have been found to be adulterated with undeclared, prohibited substances.

The adulterant found in these products can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them.

Lidocaine is an anaesthesia which can cause adverse effects such as drowsiness, numbness, confusion, respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia and hypersensitivity.

Acetaminophen or Paracetamol can be taken for self-medication but when traditional medicine does not declare its Paracetamol content, unaware person may take excessive Paracetamol which may lead to liver damage, kidney failure, coma and eventually death.

Dizziness, lowering of blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression and convulsions are among the adverse effects that could occur from the unsupervised consumption of Chlorpheniramine.

Unsupervised long-term consumption of potent corticosteroids such as Dexamethasone can cause increase blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, and an increased risk of infections. Long term use of corticosteroids can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome which is characterized by a round face or ‘moon face’, and upper body obesity with thin limbs. Consumers who have taken high doses of steroids over a prolonged period of time may suffer from withdrawal symptoms which include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and dehydration.

Sildenafil is a drug used to treat male impotency and can only be prescribed by qualified doctor or physician. Among their side effects include nausea, vomiting, flushing and dizziness. In severe cases, they can also result in abnormal increase in heart rate, sudden loss of hearing and seizures.

Simvastatin is a drug used to lower cholesterol level in the blood. The long-term consumption of simvastatin without supervision can cause headache, dizziness, constipation, rash, sleep disturbances, depression, alter the normal liver function, myalgia and in rare cases, simvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure.

Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007.

Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its hazardous effects on human health. It is readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tends to accumulate in the body. Exposure to mercury can cause skin rashes, memory loss and muscle weakness while high exposures may result in damage to the brain and kidneys. It is also extremely toxic to unborn children.

Hydroquinone is also a potent ingredient usually used in the treatment of skin conditions. It is regulated under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 where Hydroquinone is prohibited in cosmetic products used for skincare.

The unsupervised use of Hydroquinone may cause skin hypersensitivity, skin discolouration resulting in gradual darkening of the affected skin area and an increased risk of skin cancer.

The Ministry of Health has not issued any approval for the importation and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of these products. Following these findings, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.

Members of the public who have purchased or used these products are advised to stop using them immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.

Members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook, etc.) are hereby reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the said Act and the penalty for such an offence upon conviction, is a fine of $8,000 or six months' imprisonment. Furthermore, if a person commits an Act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, then such person shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of $16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.

Members of the public are also reminded that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the Authority, where the penalty for contravening these regulations upon conviction, is a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

The Ministry of Health would also like to call upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section if any of these products are still found on the market in this country.

For further information and communication, the public may contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2393298 ext. 208, send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn or go directly to 1st Floor, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kg. Madaras, Mukim Gadong A.

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Rujukan    : KK/PR/3
Tarikh    : 7 April 2015M / 17 Jamadilakhir 1436H