We recently reported that a 28-year-old Singapore woman died after drinking purple fruit juice she had bought from a Geylang store. She believed that the juice was effective in treating gout pain in her legs. Tests later revealed that steroids in juice were the cause of her untimely death.
And now, there's more bad news.
At least 5 people in Singapore, including a child, suffered severe side effects after drinking fruit juices found to contain steroids. The information was released by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on 27 September 2018.
Dangerous side effects of steroids in juice
The juices in question are Jus Al Sunnah Gold 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif and Jus Al Sunnah 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif.
They were found to contain dexamethasone and prednisolone, both potent steroids. Another ingredient, Diclofenac, was also found in Jus Al Sunnah Gold 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif.
The two steroids are usually used to treat inflammatory conditions under strict medical supervision. The victims who drank these juices developed steroid side-effects like Cushing's syndrome and uncontrolled diabetes.
Cushing's syndrome occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a long time. It may be caused by the use of oral corticosteroid medication. Common symptoms include a rounded "moon" face, fatty hump between your shoulders and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin.
Other common steroid-related side effects are increase in blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataract, muscular and bone disorders, and other infections.
Diclofenac is a potent painkiller and can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. And it may also cause serious gastric bleeding.
Please note that sudden discontinuation of steroids can cause serious problems too. It can lead to fatigue, confusion and low blood pressure, especially if the products were consumed for an extended period of time.
Which is why, HSA advises those who have consumed these juices to immediately consult a doctor.
Sellers have been asked to stop selling the products immediately.
The Ministry of Health in Malaysia had earlier banned these health juices, produced under Sri Saga Marketing Sdn Bhd, a company which does not exist. Yes, checks found that the company stated on the products' labels did not exist!
The banned products are:
- Jus Sunnah Gold 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif
- Jus Al Sunnah 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif
- and Jus Penawar 1001 Khasiat Jus Alternatif Resdung
(Source: CNA)