All Kpod cases to be recorded, vapes must be confiscated: MOH, HSA
In a circular from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) dated July 9, they said medical practitioners should also get patients to surrender their e-vaporisers and consider sending their urine samples for testing.
This is because both authorities noticed that between 2024 and 2025, there had been a worrying increase in the number of e-vaporisers detected containing etomidate in Singapore.
Such devices are also known as "Kpods", which the authorities have recently intensified crackdowns on.
The circular highlighted the report in March by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which said etomidate had been notably detected in illicit drug markets in East and South-east Asia.
Etomidate is a medicinal ingredient used in clinical practice as an anaesthetic agent and is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act. This means a licence is required for its importation or sale.
Etomidate found in vapes or supplied in oil capsules or formulations to be inhaled directly into users' lungs are not medical products and are prohibited.
Under the Act, those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both.
MOH and HSA said that because of the rising concerns, they are studying the harm and addictiveness of etomidate use in vapes, through those who seek medical attention.
They said these studies will inform and shape policy, including whether existing regulations need to be tightened or amended.
On July 12, MOH and the Ministry of Home Affairs said they were considering further steps to better address the vaping issue, including whether current laws for enforcement could be enhanced.
The number of cases involving etomidate-laced vape pods has nearly tripled in Singapore to 28 cases in the first six months of 2025, compared with 10 in the whole of 2024.
The MOH-HSA circular was addressed to emergency departments, urgent care centres, departments of psychiatry of public healthcare institutions, and the National Addictions Management Service Centre at the Institute of Mental Health.
In it, the authorities said medical practitioners should reassure patients that enforcement actions will not be taken against them for previous vape use if they voluntarily come forward to seek medical help.
Medical practitioners were told to observe symptoms and signs like seizures, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, coughing, arrhythmias and thermal injury to airways.
In the circular, the authorities invoked powers under the Healthcare Services Act, requiring licensed medical practitioners to comply with the instructions.
Those who fail to do so can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $10,000.
During medical consultation, medical practitioners should confiscate the vapes, place them in ziplock bags and lock them up.
They should also consider sending patients' urine samples to HSA for toxicology testing.
MOH and HSA said members of the public who have sought assistance through the Health Promotion Board's (HPB) QuitLine may be directed to seek medical help at public health institutions' emergency departments.
After treatment, these emergency departments may refer patients to the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000 for continued support.
Participants of HPB's I Quit programme need not worry about being fined or prosecuted, as it does not presume they have or use vaping products.
But if they are caught using or possessing such items, then they will be prosecuted.
MOH and HSA previously said that more than $41 million worth of vapes and related components were seized between January 2024 and March 2025.
More than 14,600 people were caught by the authorities in 2024, compared with just 4,916 in 2022.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Two TCM companies under investigation over skin cream containing potent steroid, antifungal
SINGAPORE: Two traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) companies are under investigation over a skin cream that has been found to contain potent medicinal ingredients which may lead to adverse effects, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Wednesday (Jul 23). Pi De Kang Dermatitis Cream, imported by Da Zhong Tang and supplied by Chinese Medical Centre, was found to contain the steroid clobetasol and an antifungal called miconazole. HSA has directed the two TCM companies to stop selling the cream and conduct a consumer recall of all product batches that were given to customers. The authority said it had tested the cream following feedback from a customer, and that both firms are being investigated for the import and supply of the adulterated product. It added that the recall is underway. Clobetasol propionate is a potent steroid that is usually prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions such as chronic eczema and psoriasis. It should only be used under strict medical supervision, said HSA. Long-term unsupervised use of steroid-containing creams can cause thinning of the skin, and sudden discontinuation after prolonged use may result in topical steroid withdrawal syndrome, which is characterised by burning, redness, itching, pain or skin peeling. Topical steroids may also cause adverse effects when applied to large areas of the skin or used over a prolonged period. These include high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, an increased risk of infections and Cushing's syndrome, which is characterised by a round or "moon" face appearance, and upper body obesity with thin limbs. Children and infants are more susceptible to the effects of steroids and as such, may be at higher risk of steroid-associated adverse effects. Miconazole is used to treat fungal infections, and its inappropriate use could cause skin irritation, itching, skin rash and burning sensation of the skin. HSA advised consumers of Pi De Kang Dermatitis Cream to consult a doctor as soon as possible if they are using it, as any sudden stoppage of steroid-containing creams without medical supervision may worsen underlying skin conditions or cause topical steroid withdrawal symptoms. All sellers and suppliers must stop selling the cream immediately, the authority said. 'HSA will not hesitate to take stern enforcement actions against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with potent ingredients,' it added.
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Dermatitis cream found to contain steroid and antifungal, recall ongoing: HSA
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The Pi De Kang cream was recalled due to two potent medicinal ingredients. SINGAPORE - A dermatitis cream containing two potent medicinal ingredients has been ordered off the shelves, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a statement on July 23. The Pi De Kang Dermatitis Cream was tested by HSA after feedback from a consumer, and was found to contain a steroid called clobetasol and an antifungal called miconazole. It was imported by Da Zhong Tang and supplied by traditional Chinese medicine clinic chain Chinese Medical Centre as a 'skin itching cream'. HSA has since directed both the importer and supplier to stop selling the cream and to recall all batches already given to customers . The recall is under way. The authority is also investigating Da Zhong Tang and Chinese Medical Centre for importing and supplying the product. Clobetasol is a potent steroid usually prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions like chronic eczema and psoriasis, and should be used only under strict medical supervision, said HSA. Long-term unsupervised use of steroid-containing creams can cause thinning of the skin and topical steroid withdrawal syndrome, causing burning, redness, itching or skin peeling. HSA added that topical steroids may also be absorbed into the body and cause serious adverse effects like high blood pressure and cataracts when applied to large areas of the skin or used over a prolonged period. The risk of such effects is higher for children and infants who are more susceptible to the effects of steroids. Miconazole is used to treat fungal infections. Possible adverse effects associated with the inappropriate use of such creams may include skin irritation, itching, skin rash and burning sensation of the skin. Those who are using the Pi De Kang cream should see a doctor, HSA said. Consumers can also contact Da Zhong Tang regarding enquiries or returns via enquiry@ or 8181-8765 from 10am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 5pm on weekdays (excluding public holidays) .
New Paper
a day ago
- New Paper
All Kpod cases to be recorded, vapes must be confiscated: MOH, HSA
In a sign that the health authorities are treating vapes laced with etomidate more seriously, public healthcare institutions have been told to record all suspected and confirmed etomidate-linked vaping cases. In a circular from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) dated July 9, they said medical practitioners should also get patients to surrender their e-vaporisers and consider sending their urine samples for testing. This is because both authorities noticed that between 2024 and 2025, there had been a worrying increase in the number of e-vaporisers detected containing etomidate in Singapore. Such devices are also known as "Kpods", which the authorities have recently intensified crackdowns on. The circular highlighted the report in March by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which said etomidate had been notably detected in illicit drug markets in East and South-east Asia. Etomidate is a medicinal ingredient used in clinical practice as an anaesthetic agent and is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act. This means a licence is required for its importation or sale. Etomidate found in vapes or supplied in oil capsules or formulations to be inhaled directly into users' lungs are not medical products and are prohibited. Under the Act, those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both. MOH and HSA said that because of the rising concerns, they are studying the harm and addictiveness of etomidate use in vapes, through those who seek medical attention. They said these studies will inform and shape policy, including whether existing regulations need to be tightened or amended. On July 12, MOH and the Ministry of Home Affairs said they were considering further steps to better address the vaping issue, including whether current laws for enforcement could be enhanced. The number of cases involving etomidate-laced vape pods has nearly tripled in Singapore to 28 cases in the first six months of 2025, compared with 10 in the whole of 2024. The MOH-HSA circular was addressed to emergency departments, urgent care centres, departments of psychiatry of public healthcare institutions, and the National Addictions Management Service Centre at the Institute of Mental Health. In it, the authorities said medical practitioners should reassure patients that enforcement actions will not be taken against them for previous vape use if they voluntarily come forward to seek medical help. Medical practitioners were told to observe symptoms and signs like seizures, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, coughing, arrhythmias and thermal injury to airways. In the circular, the authorities invoked powers under the Healthcare Services Act, requiring licensed medical practitioners to comply with the instructions. Those who fail to do so can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $10,000. During medical consultation, medical practitioners should confiscate the vapes, place them in ziplock bags and lock them up. They should also consider sending patients' urine samples to HSA for toxicology testing. MOH and HSA said members of the public who have sought assistance through the Health Promotion Board's (HPB) QuitLine may be directed to seek medical help at public health institutions' emergency departments. After treatment, these emergency departments may refer patients to the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000 for continued support. Participants of HPB's I Quit programme need not worry about being fined or prosecuted, as it does not presume they have or use vaping products. But if they are caught using or possessing such items, then they will be prosecuted. MOH and HSA previously said that more than $41 million worth of vapes and related components were seized between January 2024 and March 2025. More than 14,600 people were caught by the authorities in 2024, compared with just 4,916 in 2022.
