A Student’s Guide to Regulation of Health Products in Singapore

1. A Student’s Guide to Regulation of Health Products in Singapore Health Sciences Authority, Singapore (HSA)

2. Health Products Regulation • The following slides will give you a general overview of health products regulation in Singapore • The goal is to provide you with information when dealing with health products (e.g. ‘western’ medicines) in order to help you make smart and correct decisions • This information is not intended to serve as legal advice

3. Health Products Regulation: The Facts • Singapore has enacted laws to regulate the sale and supply of health products to protect consumers • Under Singapore law, licences are required before any person can sell/supply Health Products (e.g. ‘Western’ Medicines and Health Supplements containing controlled substances) • Cosmetic products must be notified with HSA before it can be marketed in Singapore (includes Internet sales) • The same controls apply to Internet sales (e.g. auction sites, discussion forums, classified ads)

4. Examples of Health Products Regulated By HSA • Oral Contraceptives • Abortifacients (e.g. substances that induce abortion) • Steroids for bodybuilding • Slimming medicines • Cough preparations containing codeine • Sleeping pills • Medicines for treatment of erectile dysfunction (e.g. sildenafil(Viagra) and tadalafil(Cialis)) • ‘Brain boosters’ (e.g. methylphenidate (Ritalin) and modafinil (Provigil))

5. Prescription Medicine Tips • Prescription medicines are potentially dangerous substances • Prescription medicines should only be used by the person who was given the prescription and taken as prescribed • Don’t sell unused/spare prescription medicines

6. Case Highlights A woman prescribed with oral contraceptive, Mercilon, did not use it. Instead, she and her husband both in their 20s, put the pills up for auction online Penalty: Fined $4000 each A couple in their 30s posted the sale of weight-loss drug Duromine online Penalty : Fined $3000 each

7. Examples of Illegal Health Products • Illegal health products usually contain ingredients that are controlled under the medicines' laws. • For activities involving illegal health products, such as import or sale, offenders may be liable for prosecution under the Medicines Act or the Poisons Act.

8. Key Offences • Sell poisons without a licence (e.g. health supplements that contain controlled substances) • Sell prescription medicines without a licence • Sell cosmetic product where no prior notification have been submitted

9. Penalties • Stern Warning • Composition • up to $2000 per offence • Prosecution • Medicines Act – Fine up to $5000 and/or jail term of up to 2 years • Poisons Act – Fine up to $10000 and/or jail term of up to 2 years

10. Contact HSA • Complaints and reports of illegal activities • Enforcement Branch • Tel: 68663485 Fax: 64789065 • Email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg • For more information: • Internet website • Health Sciences Authority [www.hsa.gov.sg] • Database of registered ‘western’ medicines • Guides to regulatory system and controls • Illegal health products database