The Department of Health (DH) today (April 10) urged members of the public not to consume various products from unknown and unclear sources that claim to treat male impotence, following the Hospital Authority's notification of one new case associated with products for impotence.
A spokesman for the department said that the 49-year-old male patient has been sent to Queen Mary Hospital after being found collapsed on April 7. He has recovered and was discharged the next day.
Sildenafil and glibenclamide metabolites were found in the patient's urine specimen today. He admitted taking a red/yellow capsule known as "Nangeng", which was given by a friend in Dongguan, Mainland China, for erectile dysfunction.
The notification brings the number of persons affected by this category of products to a total of 43 since December 2007. Among them, two patients passed away and one is still in hospital in stable condition.
Glibenclamide can cause nausea and gastro-intestinal upset. Improper use may cause a significant fall in the blood sugar level with serious health consequences and even death.
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. Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance of Hong Kong, products containing sildenafil or glibenclamide must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
Meanwhile, the DH noted Singapore's Health Science Authority (HSA) had also issued a warning today, saying that a virility product labelled "Power I Walnut" contained glibenclamide and sildenafil. HSA appealed to the public to stop taking it. In Hong Kong, the product is not a registered pharmaceutical product.
The DH again urged the public not to consume virility products from unknown or unclear sources, because their efficacy, safety and quality could not be assured, the spokesman said.
"Members of the public and the trade who have in their possession similar products are urged to stop consuming or trading them immediately," he said.
They should 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. For enquiries, there is a hotline no. 2572 2068 which operates during office hours.
"People who have problems of sexual dysfunction should consult medical professionals for appropriate advice or medication," the spokesman added.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/10/P200804100178.htm