Tuesday, 8 September 2026 / 26 Rabiulawal 1448H – The Ministry of Health would like to alert members of the public to five (5) types of Health products which have been tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services, Ministry of Health and found to be adulterated with undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients which are controlled under the Medicines Act, Chapter 285. 

The affected health products are listed as below:

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

Unsupervised long-term consumption of potent corticosteroids such as Dexamethasone, Betamethasone and Prednisolone can cause an increase in blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataract, 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 when the steroids are discontinued abruptly. This includes fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and dehydration.

Chlorpheniramine is used to relieve allergy symptoms, and it may cause several adverse effects including drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, decreased blood pressure, blurred vision, dry mouth, depression, and an irregular heartbeat

Bisacodyl is used to relieve constipation. Use without medical supervision can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

The Ministry of Health has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these products. Following these findings, these 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 taking them immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of taking these products.

The public is advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist before consuming any health products. Avoid purchasing or using items from unknown sources, particularly those sold on online platforms. Furthermore, consumers should exercise caution regarding product claims, especially those promising ‘instant results’ or ‘no side effects’.

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 Medicines Act, Chapter 285 to sell this product containing substances controlled under the said Act without appropriate licence where a compound fine may be imposed. Upon conviction, a person is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or both.

The Ministry of Health would also like to call upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services if any of this product or any dubious products are found on the market in this country. The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor these products in the marketplace to ensure public safety.

For further information and communication, the public may contact the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393301 extension 208; send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; go directly to 1^st Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kg. Madaras, Mukim Gadong A; or call the Talian Darussalam 123.

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Reference      : KK/JDP/PR 3/2