Mar 31 2011
Health Authority Warns Consumers About Black Honey Pills Due to Potent Steroid Content
The health authority in Singapore began sending letters to all health care professionals including pharmacists and dentists informing them about the dangers of an anti-arthritis pill popular among the elderly. The supplement which can be bought in make shift stalls promises an immediate relief for arthritis pain which are common health condition for older people. The HSA or Health Sciences Authority is also coordinating with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board to address the problem.
The herbal supplement in question is called the black honey pills or “hei mi wan” in Chinese. It is an herbal-scented pill that is being sold in bottles containing 80 to 100 pieces. The black and glossy pills are sold in unlabeled bottles. The cost of each bottle ranges from S$35 to S$80. Sellers of this herbal supplement claims that it can treat chronic ailments such as arthritis and rheumatic pain, high cholesterol and hypertension.
The HSA conducted a laboratory test on this product after doctors reported 2 cases of women who were using the black honey pills. According to reports, the women were taking the black honey pills for two to three months already. The women in their 50’s suffered from Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by long term use of steroids. The symptoms of the Cushing’s syndrome include weight gain in the trunk area, stretches in the abdominal area, insomnia, thinning of the skin and a round “moon” face.
Health officials are concerned on these reports because a lot of people could be taking this supplement without knowing the possible side effects. “Possibly, there are people still taking these pills, unaware that they are having an adverse drug reaction or did not tell their doctors about it,” said Chan Cheng Leng, the director of enforcement division. According to a fishmonger who was caught by health officials selling the product, he already sold at least 300 bottles of the black honey pills since September last year.
Based on lab results, the black honey pills contain the potent steroid dexamethasone. When used under medical supervision, this can be prescribed to relieve extreme pain and inflammation. However the said steroid can weaken the immunity of the patient and cause hormonal disorder. Other noted side effects of taking this substance are high blood pressure and higher blood sugar levels which can lead to diabetes.
It also contains chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine. While the antihistamine found in these pills was in low dose, the steroid content is too high. “This is of grave concern as the adulterants found are very potent substances which can cause serious and fatal adverse effects in people who consume these pills,” added Chan Cheng Leng. Each black honey pill contains 0.31mg of dexamethasone. Buyers of the supplement were advised to take at least 6 pills a day which means they are taking beyond the normal dosage recommended for this type of steroid. The normal prescription dosage starts from as low as 0.5mg daily.
The health agency advised the public to immediately stop taking this herbal supplement. For those who have taken the pills, they must consult a doctor immediately to avert any complication. Health officials are now investigating the people behind the importation and distribution of these pills in the country. Under the existing laws of Singapore, importing or selling an unapproved and illegal medicine can lead to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of $10,000.
