Skip to main content

DH instructs recall of a health product

  • 2003.08.22

The Department of Health (DH) today (August 22) advised members of the public not to buy and use a health product called Stretch-up Capsule that contains sildenafil.

A spokesman for DH said, "The supplier has been instructed to immediately recall their products from the market within 7 days and to surrender them to DH."

"Members of the public who have purchased the product are advised to stop using them, dispose of the product or surrender it to the Pharmaceutical Service of DH at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours. DH will issue them a receipt."

Sildenafil is a western drug ingredient used for erectile dysfunction (impotence). 

The use of sildenafil must be supervised by medical practitioners as it could cause side effects such as serious hypotension among people with heart diseases.

Products containing western medicine are pharmaceutical products and must be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance before they are allowed to be put on sale. This product has not been registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

The spokesman reminded importers, wholesalers and retailers that the possession and sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products was an offence liable to an maximum penalty of $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment. Retailers should remove the product from their shelves.

Members of the public are also advised to report to DH Hotline 2572 2068 if they have reason to suspect that any products have been adulterated with western drug ingredients.

Reprinted from : HKSAR Government web page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200308/22/0822252.htm