BPOM Finds 61 Drug Oplosan BKO Hazardous, Can End In Death

JAKARTA - The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) again found 61 types of natural ingredients (OBA) containing medicinal chemicals (BKO). These findings came from the results of testing and supervision carried out from February to December 2024.

The majority of these products contain citrate sildenaphiles and tadalaphiles, which are often found in men's stamina-boosting drugs, as well as paracetamol on linu sore drugs.

In addition to domestic surveillance, BPOM also follows up on reports from drug and food control authorities in Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei Darussalam. From the report, it was found that 15 OBA products and health supplements (SK) contained BKO. These products do not have a distribution permit in Indonesia and have been listed on the BPOM international findings list.

BPOM has taken security measures against production and distribution facilities, including retail stores, by withdrawing and destroying OBA products containing BKO. In addition, BPOM also imposes sanctions on business actors involved, ranging from stern warnings to revocation of distribution permits.

For business actors who violate, the threat of punishment is no joke. Based on Article 435 Jo. Article 138 paragraph (2) and (3) Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, perpetrators can be sentenced to imprisonment of up to 12 years or a maximum fine of IDR 5 billion.

"In accordance with the concept of three pillars of monitoring drugs and food, namely business actors, the government, and the community. Business actors are responsible for the integrity of their products and for business actors who are proven to have violated, they will be subject to severe sanctions up to criminal sanctions," said the Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, quoted from the official BPOM website.

The Ikrar cadet emphasized that OBA consumption that contains BKO can endanger public health. Side effects are caused, among others:

- Loss of sight and hearing

- Chest pain and dizziness

- Swelling on the mouth, lips, and face

- Risk of stroke and heart attack

- Heart damage due to long-term consumption or high doses

BPOM reminds the public to be more vigilant in buying and consuming OBA and SK, especially those sold online. The public is advised to only buy products from trusted sources and avoid products that have been included in the BPOM warning list.

"The BKO content in natural ingredients is very risky for health. The addition of BKO can cause side effects in the form of loss of sight and hearing, chest pain, dizziness, swelling (mouth, lips, and face), stroke, heart attack, and even death," explained Taruna Ikrar.

"The use of BKO can also cause liver damage if consumed in the long term or high dose." he continued.

In addition, the public is advised to always check Klik before buying a product. Make sure it's in good condition. Then, the label is clear and includes product information. Next, BPOM distribution permits are registered, and expiration is still valid.

If you find a suspicious product, the public can immediately report it to BPOM. With this step, it is hoped that the circulation of illegal drugs can be prevented in order to protect public health.