Department Warns Against Using Traditional Drug Mixture

Malaysian National News Agency :: BERNAMA: "SIBU, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- People in Sarawak have been warned not to use a traditional medicine sold under the name Asam Urat Traditional Mixture.
A statement by the enforcement unit of the Pharmacy Department said the mixture contained a harmful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug called Phenylbutazone.
It said users of the mixture were exposing themselves to harmful side effects like ulcer, stomach haemorrhage and damage to the liver, kidneys and other organs.
The mixture could also disturb the normal functions of the heart and breathing system.
Besides these, it could induce Steven Johnson's Syndrome with symptoms such as itchiness and peeling of skin, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in urine, headache, blurred vision, among others.
The statement said the mixture, believed to originate from a neighbouring country, was commonly sold throughout the state and in particular in rural towns.
It is popularly used to treat joint and knee pains among the elderly.
The department said the mixture is an illegal product as it was not registered with it and neither had it approve its sale or usage.
It said several patients with Steven Johnson's Syndrome symptoms had been admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching recently.
When questioned, they admitted to using the mixture, it said.
"