Feedback : Beware of Suspect Medicines

LV writes in

Dear MMR,
I am a medical student studying at The University of Sydney, Australia. My brother is using the medicinal product made in Malaysia called Kian Pee Wan, until we read on your site that Kian Pee Wan is
adulterated with scheduled poison. We are currently very confused and worried about this… Could you please indicate the name of the poisonous substance in Kian Pee Wan, please? Thank you so much.

Hi LV

I believe you are referring to this 2007 article Beware of suspect medicines which mentioned:

The official also warned the public against taking several herbal preparations that had been adulterated with western medicines.
These include: Bao Zhi Tang, Permanence, PMEN, Power, Zhong Mei Bao Jian, Qian Jin Nan Wee and Spanish Fly. Other products which have been adulterated are Enjoy-Male Energy, Blue Boy-Sen X Big, Euriko Ginko and Stallion.
He also warned against using the following products which have been adulterated with scheduled poisons: Air Ikan Haruan, Tongkat Ali Super Power, Maajun Kuat, Jamu Ajaib, Kian Pee Wan, Ceng Fui Yen, Saurean Fong Sep Lin, Seng Yong Wan, Pil Haruan, Kapsul Tongkat Ali Asli, Pil Power Sendi, Pil Resdung, Mixagrip, Komix, Konidin, Antimo, Mextril, Untraflu and Neozep Forte.

The report did not state what the adulterated scheduled poison is but it’s not uncommon to find these “traditional medicines” tainted with corticosteroids, “western” analgesics like paracetamol or NSAIDs and in the case of preparations for “virility” you have the so-called traditional product tainted with sildenafil or similar drugs. The reason they are often tainted or adulterated with these scheduled drugs (or “poisons” as the called, though they are really “medicines”) is that the lack of efficacy of the herbs callas for something more potent so the unwitting consumer gets quick relief of his or her symptoms.
Whether or not the situation still holds for the product in question we do not know, but one can always keep track of news of adulterated traditional products from the Pharmaceuticals Division of the MOH or perhaps contact them for further information

Remember – a so-called herbal, TCM or “traditional” health product which has the KKM/MOH “seal” does not mean KKM/MOH endorses it’s usefulness or efficacy. It only means the product has been tested and found free of poisons like heavy metals and ensured not adulterated with potent drugs. One drawback is some unscrupulous manufacturers can always add the potent ingredients after getting the KKM license so there is no guarantee of this happening unless there is vigilant post-marketing sampling.