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The Department of Health (DH) today (November 17) called on members of the public not to buy or use six brands of health products that were found to contain a potentially hazardous ingredient that may cause side effects.
The concerned products are Power 58, Platinum Power 58, Ehanix, Jolex, Onyo and Deguozonghengtianxia.
Results of laboratory analysis received this evening showed that they were found to contain acetildenafil, which is a chemical with similar structure to sildenafil. The latter is a western drug ingredient used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
A DH spokesman said the department obtained samples of the six products for investigations after receiving a report from the Hospital Authority about a patient, a 28-year-old man, who had consumed a number of pills including Power 58. He was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital for neurological symptoms and was subsequently discharged. Investigations revealed that his symptoms might not be related to the consumption of the products.
Sildenafil has the side effects of headaches, flushing, hypotension and transient vision disturbances. Products containing it are Third Schedule poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. It should only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under the supervision of a pharmacist.
According to US Food and Drug Administration, acetildenafil is close in structure to sildenafil and may pose similar adverse effects. The safe use of acetildenafil has not been properly evaluated. Acetildenafil may pose a threat to consumers' health since this ingredient may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.
As a precautionary measure, people who have these products should stop using them immediately. They should seek medical attention if they feel unwell after using these products.
Investigation by DH is continuing.
Anyone who is in possession of the product should dispose of them or submit them to the DH's Pharmaceutical Service at the third floor, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200611/17/P200611170307.htm