Poison Products

Earlier from Star Online Nation, warnings from the Health Ministry:

KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised to avoid buying the Cool & Lightening soap because it contains poison.

“The product registration of this soap has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) following the detection of a scheduled poison, hydroquinone, in this product.

“Hydroquinone is not allowed to be formulated in cosmetics due to possible side effects to consumers if used without medical supervision,” the Health Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

It said that anyone in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease selling/distributing/using it.

“Hydroquinone can cause redness to the skin, discomfort, changes in skin colour and hypersensitivity,” it said.

In a separate statement, the Health Ministry also advised the public to avoid buying traditional product N-Hanz as it has been found to contain homosildenafil.

“Usage without medical supervision can cause adverse effects such as low blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects,” it said.

Also listed in the statement are Chatlin Brand Hao Zhou San, which has been found to contain ephedrine, and San Qi Luohan Chuanbei Plus Capsule, found to contain pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine.

These can cause, among other things, high blood pressure, insomnia, confusion, nausea and dyspnoea.

“Sellers are reminded that possession for sale of this product is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

“Any individual who commits an offence under these Regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25,000 or imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years, or both,” the statement said.

Consumers experiencing symptoms described earlier should seek medical advice, and may contact the Surveillance and Complaints Unit, Centre for Post Registration, National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau at 03-7957 3611 ext 365/338.