The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday announced that four health products have been tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Department of Scientific Services and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.

Sex It Up (Male Enhancement) and Maxman Hard Erection Ultra Long 3,800 milligrammes are adulterated with sildenafil.

Coklat Koneck Dhob Booster and Blanko Ultimate Nutrition (Health Supplement) manufactured by Blanko De Espana in Calle, Spain, are adulterated with tadalafil.

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

Sildenafil and tadalafil are drugs used to treat male impotency and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor or physician.

Among their side effects include nausea, vomiting, flushing and dizziness. In severe cases, they can also result in abnormal increase in heart rate, sudden loss of hearing and seizures.

The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these products.

Following these findings, the 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 using them immediately.

They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.

Members of the public involved in the retail of these products (including online retail such as through Facebook) are hereby reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the said act and the penalty for such an offence upon conviction, is a fine of BND8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

Furthermore, if a person commits an Act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or be likely to endanger human life, then such person shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of BND16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.

The MoH called upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Compliance and Licensing Section if any of these products are still found on the market in the Sultanate.

The public may contact the Compliance and Licensing Section at 2393301 (ext 208); e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn or call Darussalam Line 123.

They can also go directly to the First Floor, Compliance and Licensing Section, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A’.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin