inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority discovered 22 brands of Natural Medicines (OBA) found to contain Chemical Drug Ingredients (BKO) during BPOM inspection period in March 2026.
BPOM also found that 13 of them were male endurance products, and is conducting further investigations.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated that six brands were products for aches and pains, one brand was a weight-gaining product, and two brands were itch-relieving products containing BKO. The substances found in the 22 products included sildenafil, tadalafil, nortadalafil, paracetamol, methyl testosterone, dexamethasone, and miconazole.
"Ten of these products have a Distribution Authorization Number (NIE). Meanwhile, the other 12 OBA products do not have an NIE or display a fictitious NIE on their packaging," explained Taruna on Friday (5/22/2026).
He warned of the dangers of adding BKO to OBA products, as the exact amount added is unknown, resulting in inappropriate dosages for treatment. In fact, some of these drugs are prescription drugs and must be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
"These illegal products are produced by unofficial parties or use fictitious manufacturer identities to deceive consumers. The absence of a distribution permit means these products have never undergone the BPOM's safety, efficacy, and quality evaluation process, making their contents extremely dangerous for consumers," explained Taruna.
He explained that OBA containing sildenafil, tadalafil, and nortadalafil in male stamina products carry the risk of heart problems, stroke, and even sudden death if consumed without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
"Meanwhile, the uncontrolled use of dexamethasone, prednisolone, diclofenac sodium, and mefenamic acid in products for muscle aches and pains can trigger kidney damage, stomach bleeding, and even the moon face effect due to hormonal disruption," he added.
Long-term exposure to substances such as cyproheptadine and chlorpheniramine maleate without proper dosage carries the risk of causing severe drowsiness, metabolic disorders, and liver damage.
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