3 People Experienced Adverse Effects After Taking Products with Banned or Potent Medicinal Ingredients

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) warns members of the public against purchasing or consuming four products found to be sold at various locations including online platforms and from makeshift stalls around Singapore. The four products are: “Ubat Angin Tulang (松筋风湿透骨丸)”, “Tianma Duzhong Shujing Wan (天麻杜仲舒筋丸 [山花商标])”, “IM SO am” and “IM TOX pm”. They have been tested by HSA and found to contain medicinal ingredients that may be harmful if taken without medical supervision, including potent ingredients like steroids, and the banned substance, sibutramine. Three consumers developed serious adverse effects after taking the products, including high blood pressure, severe tremors and insomnia. HSA has worked with the online platforms to remove the listings, and investigations on the sellers are ongoing.

| Product name | Potent ingredients | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| “Ubat Angin Tulang (松筋风湿透骨丸)” | Dexamethasone (potent steroid)
Furosemide (diuretic/water pill)
Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) | Peddler in Jurong |
| “Tianma Duzhong Shujing Wan (天麻杜仲舒筋丸 [山花商标])” | Dexamethasone, prednisolone (potent steroids)
Diclofenac (anti-inflammatory painkiller)
Furosemide (diuretic/water pill)
Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) | Bought from Malaysia |
| “IM SO am” | Sibutramine (banned substance) | Local e-commerce platforms (Shopee, Lazada, Carousell) |
| “IM TOX pm” | Sennosides (laxative) | |
2     Please refer to Annex A of the PDF version for photos of the products and Annex B for possible adverse effects of the banned or potent ingredients found in the products.

Two consumers developed serious adverse effects after taking two different “herbal” products for knee pain

3     A woman in her 60s took “Ubat Angin Tulang (松筋风湿透骨丸)" for a period of up to three months for her knee pain. She had obtained the product from a relative who purchased it from a makeshift stall in Jurong. She rapidly gained 10 kg and developed elevated blood pressure.  Her family member, who is a healthcare professional, suspected that the product was adulterated and reported the case to HSA.

4     “Ubat Angin Tulang” was touted to strengthen muscles and help with pain management. The product’s label stated only herbal ingredients, including ginseng and cordyceps. However, when HSA tested the product, it was found to contain three potent medicinal ingredients, namely dexamethasone (potent steroid), furosemide (diuretic/water pill) and chlorpheniramine (antihistamine). These are strong medicinal substances that can cause serious adverse effects when used without supervision by a doctor. The steroid in the product could have caused the woman’s rapid weight gain and high blood pressure.

5     Further investigations showed that the seller from Malaysia would set up his makeshift stalls in various locations across Singapore. Investigations on the seller are ongoing.

6     In another case, an elderly man in his 80s experienced dizziness and a drop in blood pressure after consuming “Tianma Duzhong Shujing Wan (天麻杜仲舒筋丸 [山花商标])” for his knee pain for about one year. He had obtained the product from his relative who had purchased it from Malaysia.  He was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency which led his doctor to suspect that the product was adulterated and to report the case to HSA.

7     “Tianma Duzhong Shujing Wan” was labelled as containing only herbs, including ginseng. However, HSA’s analysis detected five potent medicinal ingredients namely, dexamethasone and prednisolone (potent steroids), diclofenac (anti-inflammatory painkiller), furosemide, and chlorpheniramine. From HSA's investigations, there are no known local suppliers of this product.

Products marketed for slimming purposes caused severe shaking, insomnia, and light-headedness in consumer

8     A woman experienced severe tremors, insomnia, light-headedness and almost fainted twice after consuming “IM SO am” and “IM TOX pm”. Both products were marketed to be taken together for slimming purposes and were labelled to contain food and botanical extracts to “promote better body balance”. However, HSA’s analysis revealed that “IM SO am” contained the banned substance, sibutramine, and “IM TOX pm” contained an undeclared laxative (sennosides).

9     HSA found sale listings of “IM SO am” and “IM TOX pm” on Shopee, Lazada and Carousell and has worked with the platform administrators to swiftly remove the affected listings.

Advisory to consumers

10     See a doctor immediately if you are using " Ubat Angin Tulang" or “Tianma Duzhong Shujing Wan”. Do not stop taking it suddenly as it contains steroids and may cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, and low blood pressure, especially when it has been taken for more than a few weeks.

11     Stop taking “IM SO am” and “IM TOX pm” immediately and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or are concerned about your health.

12     Consumers are advised to be ALERT when purchasing health products:
- AVOID Dubious Products: Steer clear of products from unknown or unverified sources, especially online - they may contain harmful ingredients. Exercise caution even if the dubious products are from well-meaning friends or relatives, as you cannot be certain where and how they were made.
- LOOK for Reputable Sellers: Only purchase from trusted pharmacies or reputable retailers with an established presence in Singapore.
- EXAMINE Claims: Be cautious and wary of products that claim to have miraculous results or “no side effects”.
- REPORT Suspicious Products: Help protect others by reporting dangerous or dubious products to HSA.
- TRUST Medical Advice: Consult a healthcare professional if you need help managing your chronic medical conditions instead of risking your health with use of unfamiliar products.

Advisory to sellers and suppliers

13     All sellers and suppliers must stop selling these four products immediately. HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with banned or potent ingredients. Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and if convicted, may be imprisoned for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $10,000.

14     Members of the public who have any information on the sale and supply of these illegal products may contact HSA’s Enforcement Branch at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY SINGAPORE 18 MARCH 2026

Download PDF version here

Consumer, Healthcare professional, Industry member, Health supplements Published:

18 Mar 2026

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18 Mar 2026