HSA issued a similar warning in November 2023 after three people were hospitalised for serious adverse reactions from using these medicines inappropriately.
Besides serious skin conditions, modafinil and armodafinil could cause serious side effects such as heart problems and hypertension, as well as psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, hallucinations or mania.
The medicine also carries a potential risk of dependency due to its stimulant effects on the brain.
Associate Professor Lee Haur Yueh, a senior consultant at the department of dermatology at Singapore General Hospital said: “The fact that we are seeing a significant number of cases from armodafinil and modafinil suggests that the risk associated with these medicines is particularly high.”
Assoc Prof Lee, who treated some of the hospitalised consumers, added that the medicines should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor and with proper medical supervision.
The supply and sale of modafinil and armodafinil without HSA’s authorisation is an offence under the Health Products Act. Offenders may face a jail term of up to two years, a fine of up to S$50,000 (US$35,550) or both.
Members of the public who have information on the illegal sale and supply of the medicines may contact HSA’s enforcement branch at 68663485.
