MALAYSIAN HEALTH MINISTRY BANS SALE OF 'VEGROW CAPSULE', 'NCHK PIL ZHI KE'

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The public is advised to avoid buying and
using traditional products 'Vegrow Capsule' and 'NCHK Pil Zhi Ke' as they have
been found to contain scheduled poisons.

Health director-general Dr Mohd Ismail Merican in a statement here
Friday said the Drug Control Authority (DCA) had cancelled the registration of
the two products.

He said 'Vegrow Capsule', which is traditionally used for strengthening the
body and maintenance of general health, was found to contain
thiodimethylsildenafil (analog sildenafil).

"Sildenafil is a drug used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence.
Sildenafil or its anologues are not allowed to be formulated in a product which
is classified as a traditional product and can only be supplied by doctors or
available at pharmacies upon a prescription," he said.

The product registration holder for 'Vegrow Capsule' is Maxherbs Trading,
Selangor while the manufacturer Solar Victory Sdn Bhd, Selangor.

Mohd Ismail further said the usage of sildenafil without proper diagnosis
and monitoring by the doctor can cause serious adverse events such as
cardiovascular effects (sudden cardiac death, heart failure, postural
hypotension, palpitation, shortness of breath, cerebro vascular hemorrhage),
central nervous effects ( headache, insomnia, tremors, seizure), unusual weight
gain or loss, and swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs or feet.

Hence, this product can cause detrimental effects to consumers who are at
high risk of getting theses adverse events.

'NCHK Pil Zhi Ke', which is taditionally used for relieving cough and
reducing phlegm, was found to contain dextromethorphan, a scheduled poison and
cough depressant that is prohibited in traditional products.

Mohd Ismail said use of dextromethorphan is not recommended in patients at
risk of developing respiratory failure such as asthma, patients with impaired
liver function, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children below two years
old.

The product registration holder and manufacturer for 'NCHK Pil Zhi Ke' is
TJ-TYT Pharmaceuticals (M) Sdn Bhd, Perak.

Henceforth, it will be an offence under the law to consume, be in
possession, distribute or sell the two products.

-- BERNAMA