Soap containing scheduled poison banned
KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been advised to avoid buying the Cool &
Lightening soap because it contains poison.
"The product registration of this soap has been cancelled by the
Drug Control Authority (DCA) following the detection of a scheduled poison,
hydroquinone, in this product."
"Hydroquinone is not allowed to be formulated in cosmetics due to
possible side effects to consumers if used without medical supervision,"
the Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
It said that anyone in possession of this product is advised to immediately
cease selling/distributing/using it.
In a separate statement, the Health Ministry also advised the public
to avoid buying traditional product N-Hanz as it has been found to contain
homosildenafil.
"Usage without medical supervision can cause adverse effects such
as low blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects," it said.
Also listed in the statement are Chatlin Brand Hao Zhou San, which has
been found to contain ephedrine, and San Qi Luohan Chuanbei Plus Capsule,
found to contain pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine.
These can cause, among other things, high blood pressure, insomnia, confusion,
nausea and dyspnoea.
Consumers experiencing symptoms described earlier should seek medical
advice, and may contact the Surveillance and Complaints Unit, Centre for
Post Registration, National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau at 03-7957 3611
ext 365/338.
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