Malaysian Authorities Ban Unregulated Products Containing Controlled Substances

Malaysia’s Drug Control Agency (DCA) has banned the sale, possession, distribution and consumption of two unregulated traditional products found to contain controlled drugs, reports Malaysian national news agency Bernama.

DCA analysis of the two products revealed the presence of regulated substances that may only be legally obtained with a prescription.

“Sildenafil is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil or its analogues 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,” Mohd Ismail Merican, director-general for health, told the news source.

He said that unsupervised use of sildenafil or its analogues can lead to serious cardiovascular events, central nervous effects, unusual weight gain or loss and swelling.

Additionally, analysis of the cough suppressant “NCHK Pil Zhi Ke” revealed the presence of dextromethorphan, a compound banned for traditional products.

The source reports that use of dextromethorphan without the supervision of a physician is dangerous for people with asthma or impaired liver function and women who are pregnant or nursing.