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The Department of Health (DH) today (March 19) urged members of the public not to buy or use unregistered health products for treating impotence after receiving four related reports from the Hospital Authority today (March 19).
Four men aged from 63 to 76 were hospitalised for dizziness, sweating and loss of consciousness between March 9 and 12. One of them is in stable condition while the remaining three were discharged.
A DH spokesman said that laboratory test on urine samples of two of the men and their drug remnants showed the presence of undeclared western drug ingredients glibenclamide and sildenafil, which are used for treating diabetes and treating sexual dysfunction respectively.
They alleged that they had bought and consumed a product named "九鞭王" from a friend in Yuen Long and a product labeled as "三鞭丸" in the Mainland respectively.
These products are not registered pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong.
DH's investigation into the cases is in progress.
Glibenclamide could cause nausea and gastro-intestinal upset. Improper use may cause a significant fall in blood sugar level with serious health consequence.
The side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances. They may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing any of the two ingredients must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
Members of the public who have similar products in possession are advised not to take them. They are urged to seek advice from their health professionals if feeling unwell after consuming these products.
They should dispose of the product or submit it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.
The spokesman urged people who had a problem of sexual dysfunction to consult medical professionals for appropriate advice or medication if necessary.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/19/P200803190250.htm