The public is advised to avoid buying and using traditional products ‘Vegrow Capsule’ and ‘NCHK Pil Zhi Ke’ as they have been found to contain scheduled poisons.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican in a statement here today said the Drug Control Authority (DCA) had cancelled the registration of the two products.
He said ‘Vegrow Capsule’, which is traditionally used for strengthening the body and maintenance of general health, was found to contain thiodimethylsildenafil (analog sildenafil).
“Sildenafil is a drug used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence.
Sildenafil or its anologues are not allowed to be formulated in a product which is classified as a traditional product and can only be supplied by doctors or available at pharmacies upon a prescription,” he said.
The product registration holder for ‘Vegrow Capsule’ is Maxherbs Trading, Selangor while the manufacturer Solar Victory Sdn Bhd, Selangor.
Mohd Ismail further said the usage of sildenafil without proper diagnosis and monitoring by the doctor can cause serious adverse events such as cardiovascular effects (sudden cardiac death, heart failure, postural hypotension, palpitation, shortness of breath, cerebro vascular hemorrhage), central nervous effects ( headache, insomnia, tremors, seizure), unusual weight gain or loss, and swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs or feet.
Hence, this product can cause detrimental effects to consumers who are at high risk of getting theses adverse events.
‘NCHK Pil Zhi Ke’, which is taditionally used for relieving cough and reducing phlegm, was found to contain dextromethorphan, a scheduled poison and cough depressant that is prohibited in traditional products.
Mohd Ismail said use of dextromethorphan is not recommended in patients at risk of developing respiratory failure such as asthma, patients with impaired liver function, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children below two years old.
The product registration holder and manufacturer for ‘NCHK Pil Zhi Ke’ is TJ-TYT Pharmaceuticals (M) Sdn Bhd, Perak.
Henceforth, it will be an offence under the law to consume, be in possession, distribute or sell the two products.
— BERNAMA
CJMY
