Dong Mai Tan and Seven Leave Ginseng contain poisonous substances: Health Ministry

PUTRAJAYA : The Health Ministry has issued a warning to not buy or use unregistered chinese traditional medicine products known as Dong Mai Tan and Seven Leave Ginseng as they contain poisonous substances.

The National Adverse Effect Drug Monitoring unit, under the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB), conducted sample testing on both products and the result showed that the medicines contain dexamethasone, a corticosteroid controlled under the Poison Act 1952.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said checks on both products confirmed that the medicines were not registered with the Drugs Control Authority.

"The registration number printed on the labels of Dong Mai Tan (MAL20013016T) and Seven Leave Ginseng (MAL19984210T) are fake.

"NPCB received four reports on the adverse effects for Dong Mai Tan and eight reports for Seven Leave Ginsengs.

"Among the serious adverse effects include heart failure and Cushingyang syndrome which is categorised by having round face or moon face and central obesity." he said in a statement.

The labels on the medicines stated that the products are used to treat bone aches, joint pain, back pain, muscle pain, hands and feet pain.

Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid used to treat serious swelling and inflammation problems.

It can only be supplied by doctors or obtained in pharmacies with doctor's prescription. It is not allowed to be used for traditional medicines.

Noor Hisham reminded vendors and distributors in possession of these products to stop selling, distributing or using them immediately.

"Members of the public who are using these products are advised to immediately seek treatment from health professionals.

"Consumers who have been taking these products for a long time are advised to not abruptly discontinue taking the products as this can cause problems such as confusion and drop in blood pressure due withdrawal syndrome" he said