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

In light of COVID-19 and the resultant rapid expansion of pharmacists’ roles, Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society has released a guideline for Malaysian pharmacists. COVID-19 Pandemic Guidance Document for Malaysian Pharmacists Version 1 (March 2020) outlines 3 main points that pharmacists can take to ensure optimum participation in the crisis together with other healthcare professionals. The main…

Replaceable, or Irreplaceable?

Last updated on

Written by Bryan Tan – Marketing and Communications Associate at YPC, currently a PRP at a retail pharmacy, and pun enthusiast   The director of the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) Datin Dr Faridah Aryani Md Yusof stated that amidst the impending Industrial Revolution 4.0, pharmacists roles will not be replaced by technology. It is…

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...

This Clinical Pharmacokinetics Pharmacy Handbook 2nd Edition contains the updated information and practice in Clinical Pharmacokinetics Pharmacy. Examples of real case scenario are included in each of the chapter for a better understanding in calculation concept and application. The handbook can be downloaded here.

Since our last article on COVID-19, so much has changed-the number of reported cases, better understanding of the virus’ characteristics, and its rebranding to COVID-19. After a harrowing month into the new decade, there’s finally some good news in 2020! This article will cover the rationale behind rebranding, latest statistics, and the roles of pharmacists…

Community Pharmacy Logo

Last updated on

This logo was decided recently from a logo competition carried out by the Pharmaceutical Services Division of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with MPS.  Through a circular from the Pharmacy Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Health dated 30th January it is compulsory to display this logo at all community pharmacy premise. For existing…

Others

  It has been a somber Chinese New Year - no, not just because of less ang paus - but because of the novel coronavirus that still continues to propagate across the entire globe. Having been declared a global health emergency, the virus has infected over 20 thousand people and proven fatal to 427.  Today,...

Coronavirus Declared as Global Emergency by WHO

Last updated on

The recent coronavirus outbreak took us by surprise. This storm came as sudden as a midnight deluge, and it seems like it is here to stay. Admittedly, even I myself am wearing a mask as I type this. What seem to otherwise be commonplace items such as face masks and hand sanitizers are now scarce…

A Foreword by Cedric Chua: #ForwardTogether2020

Last updated on

The past decade had been transformative for MPS-YPC. From the relentless championing of young pharmacist issues to the birth of a myriad of initiatives to add value to this group, MPS-YPC had redefined how young pharmacists advocate, connect and develop in an ever changing healthcare industry. Today, fueled by a fast-expanding presence that spreads across…

Compulsory Vaccination a No-Go?

Last updated on

Amidst the governement’s plans to look into compulsory vaccination, The United Nations’ children’s agency has said that this is not the best way to address life-threatening diseases such as measles and diphteria. Marianne Clark-Hattingh, Unicef’s representative in Malaysia said that mandatory laws do not always increase vaccination coverage, according to evidence. After the recent death…

UPDATED (as of 19th Nov 2020) : Malaysia has decided to pay RM94 million upfront and share guarantee payments upon signing the COVAX facility agreement. This is part of the RM3 billion allocated in Budget 2021 to cover COVID-19 vaccine supply access and development. The Malaysian government has also signed another agreement with the Chinese...

Manifesto MPS – Voices of Pharmacists

Last updated on

Dear fellow pharmacists, It is our duty as one of the 16,300 registered pharmacists to spread this message for the Malaysian General Elections 14 to be held on 9th May 2018. MPS has done it’s part to create this manifesto for the sake of the rakyat and the profession. We hope the in-coming government will…