Public urged not to take a slimming product with unregistered drug ingredients

The Department of Health (DH) today (July 11) urged members of the public not to buy or consume a slimming product, which are green capsules. The product was found to have contained undeclared drug ingredients.

The department made the appeal after investigating into a suspected poisoning case reported by a private hospital concerning a 56-year-old woman who had history of taking the product.

She presented with palpitation, sweating, restlessness and shortness of breath on July 9 and was admitted to hospital. She was found to have abnormally fast heart rate on admission. Her conditions had improved after treatment and she was discharged today.

Investigation revealed that she had taken the above product, which she bought in Shenzhen, since mid-June and started to develop insomnia, poor appetite and thirsty.

Laboratory results on drug remnants collected from the hospital and the patient's home showed the presence of undeclared drug ingredient of sibutramine.

A spokesman for the department said sibutramine was a western medicine used as appetite suppressant for slimming. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, symptoms of psychosis, and possibly convulsion. People with heart problems should not take it.

Product containing sibutramine must be registered before it can be sold in Hong Kong. It is classified as prescription only medicine and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.

The product is not registered in Hong Kong.

Members of the public who have been using the product should stop using it immediately. They should consult their doctors for medical advice if they feel unwell.

The spokesman reiterated that a balanced diet and exercise are crucial factors in keeping fit and healthy. Members of the public who want to reduce weight are advised to consult their doctors first.

Ends/Friday, July 11, 2008