Singapore: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised alert on chinese medicine, Jianbu Huqian Wan, a product promoted for joint pain, for containing dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, chlorpheniramine, and furosemide.

The product was identified by FDA during an examination of international mail shipments.

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions. When corticosteroids are taken for a prolonged period, or at high doses, they can suppress the adrenal gland and cause withdrawal symptoms with abrupt discontinuation.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine generally used for allergies. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness and affect mental alertness.

Furosemide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Lasix, a potent diuretic which is available only through prescription for use in the treatment of congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and edema. It can cause profound dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, with loss of potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Patients allergic to sulfonamides may also be allergic to furosemide.