FOUR more men have developed low blood sugar levels after consuming an illegal sexual enhancement drug called Power 1 Walnut.
One of them is critically ill in hospital.
These four bring the number of cases to six so far, all men aged between 30 and 70. Five have since recovered.Meanwhile, five other people are being examined.
A cache of Power 1 Walnut and other drugs - 36,000 sexual potency pills and tablets in all - were seized in a Wednesday evening raid by the police and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) along Desker Road.
Three people there were asked to assist the HSA in its investigations.
The drug regulatory body was alerted to Power 1 Walnut about two weeks ago by a doctor who had tended to the first two men whose blood sugar levels dipped after taking the drug.
Made by China company Guangzhou Xinkuaili, Power 1 Walnut supposedly contains herbal ingredients.
But it has also been found to contain drugs controlled under the Poisons Act here - glibenclamide, a prescription drug for diabetes, and sildenafil, which is sold as Viagra.
The HSA is still testing the other drugs seized, but said that it was highly possible that those, too, are adulterated.
The unlicensed sale, possession or import of drugs controlled under the Poisons Act is an offence punishable by a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
A low blood sugar level, if not treated in time, can result in unconsciousness, fits or even death.
Yesterday, the HSA advised those who have taken the product to stop doing so and to see their doctors immediately; those suffering sexual dysfunction should see qualified medical professionals.
It warned consumers against buying health products from dubious sources like street peddlers, make-shift stalls and Internet websites.
It said that the adverse reactions experienced by those who took Power 1 Walnut were 'a clear demonstration of the very real dangers and ill effects' that can result from taking illegal products.
'All such products have a high likelihood of being adulterated with varying amounts of different potent drugs that can seriously damage health,' it added.
Those with information on Power 1 Walnut or who wish to report other suspicious products may call HSA's compliance branch on 6866-3458.
