Sale Of Unregistered Product: Vegrow Capsule

The public is advised to avoid buying and using a traditional product, ‘Vegrow Capsule’ with registration number MAL08111900TC, which is traditionally used for strengthening the body and maintenance of general health. The product registration holder for ‘Vegrow Capsule’ is Maxherbs Trading, Selangor and the manufacturer is Solar Victory Sdn Bhd, Selangor.

The product registration for ‘Vegrow Capsule’ has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) at its 233rd meeting on 28th October 2010 following the detection of scheduled poison, thiodimethylsildenafil (sildenafil analog). Sildenafil is a drug used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence. Sildenafil or its analogues are not allowed to be formulated in a product which is classified as a traditional product.

Sildenafil can only be supplied by doctors or available at pharmacies upon a prescription. The usage of sildenafil without proper diagnosis and monitoring by the doctor can cause serious adverse events such as cardiovascular effects (e.g. sudden cardiac death, heart failure, postural hypotension, palpitation, shortness of breath, cerebrovascular hemorrhage), central nervous effects (e.g. headache, insomnia, tremor, seizure), unusual weight gain or loss, and swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet. Hence, this product can cause detrimental effects to consumers who are at high risk of getting these adverse events.

The public is advised to stop using it and they can seek further advice from healthcare professionals, if needed.

Anyone who is in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing or using it. Sellers are reminded that possession for sale of this product is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. Any individual who commits an offence under these regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding 3 years or both for the first offence, and for a subsequent offence, a fine up to a maximum of RM50,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding 5 years or both. A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to a maximum of RM100,000 for a subsequent offence.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Hj Mohd Ismail Merican
Director General of Health Malaysia
As DCA Chairman
Ministry of Health Malaysia