The Department of Health today (July 6) urged members of the public not to buy or take a health product in capsules marked "常青春". A laboratory report received today revealed that the product was found to contain fenfluramine and propranolol.
The appeal was made after an investigation into a case in which a 53-year-old woman was found collapsed at home and admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on June 21 this year. She developed shortness of breath, malaise and weakness from early June. The woman died on June 25. A bottle containing capsules marked with the name "常青春" was found in her home. The case has been referred to the Coroner's Court.
The Department of Health has no record of this health product being imported into Hong Kong for sale. Family members of the patient have been contacted, but the possible source of purchase could not be ascertained. As a precautionary measure, the department has informed the relevant authorities in the Mainland and Macao about the case.
A department spokesman advised members of the public who have bought the product to stop taking the product immediately and to seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
They are urged to dispose of the product as domestic waste or submit it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at the third floor of the Public Health Laboratory Centre at 382, Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.
The Department of Health will set up a hotline 2572 2068 for enquiries during office hours from tomorrow.
Fenfluramine was used previously as an appetite suppressant for the management of obesity. In 1997, scientific studies linked fenfluramine with heart valve disease and, for this reason, the drug was banned in Hong Kong with effect from January 1998.
Propranolol is used in the management of hypertension, but it can cause hypotension, decreased heart rate, and fatigue. Products containing propranolol are Western medicines and must be registered before sale. Furthermore, products containing propranolol are Third Schedule poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, that is, they can only be sold on a doctor's prescription.
The spokesman said that a balanced diet and adequate physical exercise were the crucial factors in keeping fit and healthy. Members of the public should consult their doctors before they took any medicine or health product for weight control.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200507/06/07060265.htm