The Department of Health (DH) today (May 27) cautioned against the use of a pain relieving product following a notification by the Hospital Authority about a 67-year-old female patient who was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on May 20. She was found to have adrenal insufficiency, renal impairment and features of Cushing's Syndrome.
The patient is now receiving treatment in the hospital in stable condition.
Investigations revealed that the woman had a history of consumption of the above-named product for the past three to four years, which was bought from the Mainland, and adverse effects related to the product were suspected.
Laboratory test showed that the product was adulterated with multiple western medications including NSAIDs and prednisone acetate.
A DH spokesman said that chronic intake of multiple NSAIDs could cause renal impairment and should be avoided. Besides, chronic intake of prednisone acetate could lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency and iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome.
While there is no import record of the product in Hong Kong, the spokesman urged members of the public to stop using the named products immediately if they have any in hand. They should consult a doctor if they feel unwell after taking the products.
(Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201105/27/P201105270278.htm )