SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority ( HSA ) on Monday ( May 5 ) recalled a blood glucose supplement after it was found to contain undisclosed prescription-only antidiabetic medicines.
In a press release, HSA warned the public not to drink” CuraLin advanced fructose support”, as the product, which was labelled to incorporate traditional ingredients, was tested by the authority during regular checks to contain glibenclamide and insulin.
Glibenclamide and statins are prescription-only medications used to cure diabetes diabetic and should only be taken under medical supervision.
HSA has directed LYC Nutrihealth, which imported the item in two volumes, to cease all profits and recall both quantities.
It added that the product was brought in from the United States and supplied directly with the following sample statistics: Batch 2023-19650 and Batch 2023-19651, both of which expire in September 2026.
The recall is continuing.
HSA said that the improper use of glibenclamide or insulin without health care may cause lower blood glucose levels, which can lead to convulsions and coma.  ,
” Another adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cholestatic jaundice, a situation where liver flow is blocked or slowed over”.
Metformin can even produce lactic acidosis- a harmful build-up of acid in blood- that can be lethal, HSA added.
Diabetic people who take the product along with their prescribed , pharmacological treatments are also at danger of overdose due to the antioxidant effects of these medicines, said the expert.
CuraLin advanced fructose aid was marketed to “help support healthy blood glucose levels”, “promote power levels”, and “help help sugar and fat metabolism”.
It was sold by various sellers and on local e-commerce platforms, including Shopee and Lazada.
” HSA has worked with the local e-commerce platform administrators to ensure that listings of the affected product were removed”, it said, adding that all sellers and suppliers must stop selling the product immediately.
Consumers are advised to stop consuming the product immediately.
Those who feel unwell after taking the product, especially if they have diabetes or have been concurrently taking other prescribed antidiabetic medicines, should consult their doctor.
” There may be other batches or variants , of’ CuraLin advanced glucose support ‘ , being sold in the market. If in doubt, consumers should not buy or consume these products”, said HSA.
For returns of the affected batches of the product, consumers should contact the retailer or seller from whom they bought the product.
HSA said it will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with potent ingredients.
Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and, if convicted, may be jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to S$ 10, 000 ( US$ 12, 900 ).