Public urged not to consume product adulterated with undeclared
western medicine (June 22, 2009)
The Department of Health (DH) today (June 22)
called on members of the public not to buy or use a product "Jin
Yuan Pai Xue Guan Qing Dao Fu Jiao Nang" which was found to have
adulterated with western medicine, sildenafil that may cause
serious side effect.
A spokesman for the department said that samples were
obtained from the retailer during market surveillance conducted
recently.
Laboratory tests on the product showed the presence of
sildenafil.
The side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure,
headache, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances.
It may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs
(such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to
dangerous levels.
The importer was instructed to immediately recall the product
from the market.
The importer has set up a hotline 3427 3918 to answer public
enquiries.
Investigation by DH continues.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing
sildenafil must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a
doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
Sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable
to the maximum penalties of a $100,000 fine and two years'
imprisonment.
Members of the public who have bought the product are advised
not to take it. They are urged to seek advice from their doctors if
feeling unwell after consuming the product.
They should destroy and dispose of the products or submit them
to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health
Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office
hours.If they have enquiries, there is a hotline no. 2572 2068
which operates during office hours.
(Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200906/22/P200906220283.htm
)
