Stop Taking Nan Bao!

HealthPharmacy
Last updated on
Avatar photo
By Bryan Tan Van Hong

Publicity Associate at YPC. Currently working in Esyms, an online pharmacy platform and Registered Pharmacist at a retail pharmacy. Oh, and not to forget, pun enthusiast.

If you are one of those who consumes ‘Nan Bao’ capsules, be aware that the Health Ministry’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has released a statement that all sellers and distributors of this traditional supplement to stop all sales and distribution as it is against the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 and the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

These capsules are found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, both which are ingredients used medically to treat erectile dysfunction. These medication can only be obtained via a prescription from a doctor. Supplements containing these are not allowed to be classified as traditional.

“The use of sildenafil and tadalafil without a doctor’s advice can cause serious adverse effects such as impairment of vision and hearing, low blood pressure, and effects to the cardiovascular systems such as stroke and heart attack.” The misuse of these medication can prove to be dangerous especially those who consume medication containing nitrates.

If you had tried taking or is currently taking “Nan Bao” supplements, visit your nearest doctor or pharmacist if you experience any discomfort.

Related

Remdesivir: Yay or Nay?

Last updated on
Since our last article on Remdesivir, much has been discovered about its potential clinical application via several high-profile clinical trials. On 15th October 2020, we first heard of less-than-promising results from the WHO SOLIDARITY trial that Remdesivir has “little to no effect on hospitalized COVID-19, as indicated by overall mortality, initiation of ventilation, and duration...

Recall of Losartan

Last updated on

On early March, the Ministry of Health Malaysia released a statement regarding the recall of 7 types of medication containing the active ingredient Losartan. This came about after some of these angiotension II receptor blocker (ARB) were found to contain unacceptable amount of nitrosamine, a substance which is possibly carcinogenic, or has the potential to…

Topical Preparations Counselling Guide for Pharmacist is the first edition of its genre. It aims to provide information for pharmacists specifically on topical preparations available in the Ministry of Health (MOH) formulary and relevant counselling points on its usage in providing effective and accurate patient education regarding their medicines. The contents of this quick guide…

Family planning a human right

Last updated on
Shush! Family planning – a common taboo in our society. Many still tread lightly around this topic. Family planning education is important and should be made available to everyone. Due to the lack of education, it is not a surprise that unintended pregnancies are still occurring. Other areas that also contribute to this are the...

Stable Coronary Artery Disease (2nd Edition)

Last updated on
The previous clinical practice guidelines for the management of stable angina were issued in 2010. Since then, there have been advances in both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the management of this progressive disease. Therefore, it is timely for the publication of this CPG, with a title that is now evolved from stable angina to...

World Pharmacists Day 2018 (20-21 October 2018)

Last updated on

Event: World Pharmacists Day 2018 Date: 20-21 October 2018 (Saturday and Sunday) Time: 10am – 10pm daily Venue: MyTown, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Theme: Pharmacists, Your Medicines Expert Organised by Pharmaceutical Services Program Ministry of Health, ATM Ministry of Defense, MPS, MCPG, PhAMA, MOPI  

Others

Haze, Don’t Play Play with API

Last updated on

Written by Bryan Tan – Marketing and Communications Associate at YPC, currently a PRP at a retail pharmacy, and pun enthusiast   No, we did not upload the wrong photo. That, my friend, would be your vision if the haze continues to worsen. I’m sure many of you would be coughing or sneezing as you…

Remdesivir in Malaysia As everyone eagerly awaits results from clinical trials regarding treatment and vaccination option(s) for COVID-19, a possible “knight in shining armour” emerges: Remdesivir. Remde-saviour? Currently, the medication is undergoing 6 separate clinical trials for COVID-19: 2 initiated by Gilead (the manufacturer) (moderate & severe manifestations) 2 by health authorities in China (mild/moderate...

MPS-YPC 2020/2021 Chairperson Remarks

Last updated on
Another term has ended for the MPS-YPC Committees of 2020/2021. As the curtain falls, here are some words from the outgoing Chairperson, Cedric Chua summarizing the achievements and challenges that his team faced throughout their term.  Dear Fellow Young Pharmacists, The challenges posed by the pandemic in the past two years have spared no one....

This is an update on the ongoing case regarding the abolishment of BIPK. To understand the background of the story, be sure to have a read at it here.   Ever since the announcement of the abolishment of the critical allowance, the government has been subjected to endless public furore. Many stakeholders have since voiced…

  With new digital technologies growing increasingly involved in contemporary healthcare, an upcoming symposium aims to place the implications for patient welfare at the centre of the discussion. This October, the third edition of the Malaysian Innovative Healthcare Symposium 2018 (MIHS 2018) will bring together healthcare professionals to explore the potential of current and upcoming…

Malaysia ranked #1 on Healthcare Index Score

Last updated on

In the beginning of 2019, lifestyle and living website International Living published its list of the World’s Best Place to Retire in 2019. The list was started 29 years ago and is still being updated every single year since then. With a huge team which covers 5 continents, its research and methodologies are second to…