The Department of Health (DH) today (October 17) urged members of the public not to buy or use a brand of slimming product labeled as "2007 " Shi Shan Shou Ba " for it was found to contain an undeclared drug ingredient with potential serious side effects.
The appeal followed investigations by the department into a report concerning a 22-year-old woman who felt unwell after taking the product.
The patient attended Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital for palpitation, insomnia and hand tremors in early October. No hospitalization was required.
Investigation revealed that she had taken the above product, which she purchased from the Internet, for two days. Her symptoms subsided after she had stopped taking the product.
A DH spokesman said remnant of the product and the urine specimen were found to contain sibutramine, a western medicine commonly used for slimming.
The spokesman said sibutramine may cause increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, it must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
Possession or sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is liable on conviction to a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.
Members of the public who have used the product are urged to stop taking it immediately and seek advice from healthcare professionals if they feel unwell.
They should submit it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street , Kowloon during office hours, or destroy them before disposal.
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 healthcare professionals first.
Ends/Friday, October 17, 2008