Health Ministry issues warning against two Chinese herbal products

The Health Ministry has issued a warning against the use of unregistered Chinese traditional medicine Dong Mai Tan and Seven Leave Ginsengs following several complaints of liver failure and “moon-shaped” facial appearance.

Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has advised consumers to immediately stop using the products.

He also urged stockists to immediately cease the sale and distribution of the products, saying that those who failed to adhere to the order were committing an offence under the Sale of Drug Act 1952 and the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

Individual offenders could be fined not more than RM25,000 or jailed not more than three years or both for the first offence and fined not more than RM50,000 or jailed not more than five years or both for subsequent offences while companies were liable up to double the fines.

Dr Hisham said the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (BPFK) received four reports on adverse reaction complaints against the Dong Mai Tan products and eight reports against the Seven Leave Ginsengs.

He explained that among the effects were liver failure and symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome which is characterised by a “moon-shaped” face, an increase in weight and enlarged abdomen.

“Checks have shown that both products were not registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA), which is a requirement,” he said in a statement Friday.