88 Total White Underarm cream was found to have a high level of mercury, while Sausando Cellulite Pills contained a banned substance, said the Health Sciences Authority .
HSA has seized all stocks of the cream from the Lucky Plaza shop and investigations are ongoing, said the agency. However, HSA found that the product contained a high level of mercury and two other potent medicinal ingredients - betamethasone, which is a potent steroid, and salicylic acid. It is"extremely rare" for a topical cream to cause DRESS syndrome, Associate Professor Peter Goon from the Department of Medicine's dermatology division at the National University Hospital told CNA on Friday.
Betamethasone is a potent steroid which should only be used under medical supervision as inappropriate use can cause serious adverse effects. Salicylic acid is used to treat common skin conditions such as acne and dandruff, but it can lead to dry, irritated skin and rashes, if used in high amounts. A man in his 50s was hospitalised after experiencing seizures, low blood sodium and vomiting. He had been taking Sausando Cellulite Pills for five months. Another woman reported experiencing insomnia and heart palpitations after consuming the product.
Testing by HSA found that the slimming supplement also contained sibutramine and another similar chemical.