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Hair Loss News Archives
July 2010
Minoxidil in hair growth items
Such products are not allowed to contain western medicinal ingredients
July 2010
Two products used by Beijing 101 Hair
Consultants have been found to contain an
undeclared western medicinal ingredient by the
Health Sciences Authority (HSA). These two
products are labelled to "promote hair growth,
reduce hair loss and improve blood circulation".
"Hair Growth Formula D-2653-B" and "Hair Growth
Tonic E-0583-D" are regulated as Chinese
Proprietary Medicines (CPM) and declared to
contain natural herbs. Such products are not
allowed to contain western medicinal ingredients
or substances controlled under the Poisons Act.
However, one batch of "Hair Growth Formula
D-2653-B" (B/N 20091201) and "Hair Growth Tonic
E-0583-D" (B/N 20091201) were found to contain
the western medicinal ingredient minoxidil
during HSA's regular product quality sampling
programme. The affected batches of the two
products, which were manufactured by Beijing
Zhangguang 101 Science & Technology Development
Co. Ltd in Beijing, China, have been recalled
from Beijing 101 haircare centres.
Minoxidil is classified as a pharmacy-only
medicine and is used to treat hair loss. Some of
the side effects of using topical preparations
containing this medicine include rashes, skin
irritation, itching and exacerbation of hair
loss in susceptible individuals.
HSA urges those who have purchased the affected
batch of the products to stop using them. Those
who develop any unexpected reactions to these
products are advised to seek medical advice.
"HSA has licensed only two medicinal ingredients
that have been proven scientifically to be
effective for the treatment of androgenetic hair
loss. They are topical minoxidil for use in both
men and women and oral finasteride for use in
men," says Ms Chan Cheng Leng, Division Director
of the Enforcement Branch of HSA. "The efficacy
of complementary health products such as CPM and
cosmetics is not assessed by HSA. As such,
claims that such products can promote hair
growth or slow hair loss may not be
substantiated by scientific evidence," she
added.
HSA also advised consumers to be wary of
unrealistic or exaggerated claims on health
products, particularly those that employ these
gimmicks:
Promotions using terms such as "scientific
breakthrough", "ancient remedy"
Testimonials from people claiming amazing
results
Promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees
Promises of an easy fix
Claims that the product is "all natural" or
"non-toxic"
Under the law, complementary health products are not allowed to contain western medicinal ingredients or substances controlled under the Poisons Act.
If convicted, offenders will be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed for up to two years under the Medicines Act. They could also be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to two years under the Poisons Act.
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