Three men hospitalized after taking non-prescribed medications for vigilance reasons: HSA

SINGAPORE Three men were hospitalized with serious side effects after consuming unregistered drugs from friends or street vendors.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a press release on Monday (Nov 6) that the men had taken modafinil and armodafinil – potent drugs which are not registered in Singapore – to improve their alertness. However, they later developed serious skin conditions, mouth ulcers and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

How the three men reacted to the drugs

After taking modafinil, the first man, aged in his 30s, developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a life-threatening skin condition characterized by blistering and severe peeling of the skin.

He had acquired the product from a friend and used it once to improve his alertness. Over the next few days, he developed a fever, multiple mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis and a severe rash that started on his neck and later spread to other parts of the body.

Meanwhile, the other two men, also in their 30s, took armodafinil.

The first man acquired the drug from a friend, in order to stay awake during the day. After taking it several times, he developed multiple canker sores and mouth inflammations, experienced pain when swallowing, and was unable to eat or speak. He also developed conjunctivitis.

The other man obtained armodafinil from an illegal peddler in Geylang. He took it for over a month to improve his alertness at work, and later developed SJS. It started with a fever and a rash, before progressing to skin blisters and multiple mouth ulcers. The severe and painful rashes then spread throughout his body.

About modafinil and armodafinil

According to the HSA, modafinil and armodafinil are available in some countries as prescription medications. Physicians can request HSA to bring both medications for their patients’ medical conditions, such as narcolepsy, if there is a clinical need. Patients should be under strict medical supervision.

Some of the serious side effects include heart problems, high blood pressure, and psychiatric disorders like anxiety, hallucinations, or mania. Serious skin reactions have also been reported, which may lead to hospitalization, serious complications, or even death.

The story continues

“Those who recover may suffer long-term complications including skin scarring, hair loss and visual impairments such as increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and blindness,” HSA said.

Other vital organs, including the lungs, may also be permanently affected. Modafinil and armodafinil also “carry a potential risk of dependence” due to their stimulating effects on the brain.

HSA said there have been reports of people taking both drugs, with the aim of improving alertness or as “cognitive enhancers” to improve concentration and memory. Self-medication with these drugs is “not appropriate and can be harmful,” he adds.

Consumer advice

The public is advised not to obtain or consume products containing modafinil or armodafinil that are not prescribed by a physician or used under close medical supervision.

Here are some other tips from the HSA:

• Modafinil and armodafinil must be prescribed by a doctor and used under medical supervision. Inappropriate use by individuals to stay alert or improve concentration can be harmful;

• Be careful when obtaining or purchasing health products from unknown sources, even if recommended by friends or relatives;

• Do not share or provide strong prescription medications to friends or relatives, even if their health conditions may seem familiar to you. Medicines may not be suitable or safe for them, and their condition may need to be managed by a doctor.

Unless authorized by the HSA for use in special circumstances by a doctor, the supply and sale of unregistered health products such as modafinil or armodafinil constitutes an offense under the Health Products Act. Violators face a fine of up to $50,000 and/or two years in prison.

Members of the public who have information about the illegal sale and supply of modafinil or armodafinil can contact the HSA Enforcement Branch hotline (6866-3485) during business hours Monday through Friday, or by email at hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

Do you have a tip for a story? E-mail: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tic Tac And Twitter. Also see our South East Asia, FoodAnd Games channels on YouTube.