The Department of Health (DH) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume unknown or dubious slimming products sold on the Internet as they may contain undeclared drug ingredients that are dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) that a 30-year-old woman sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 24 for hand tremors, palpitations, dry mouth, dizziness and shortness of breath. The patient was treated and discharged on the same day.
According to the DH's investigation, the patient had consumed two slimming products, named Tianran Zuanshi Xianweisu and Paidusu, before the onset of symptoms. Both products were purchased from an Internet website in May 2011. Her symptoms subsided after she stopped taking the products.
Laboratory tests conducted by the HA on the product samples submitted by the patient showed the presence of two banned ingredients, sibutramine and phenolphthalein, and another ingredient, thyroxine.
Sibutramine is a Part I poison and was once a Western medicine used as an appetite suppressant. In November 2010, sibutramine-containing products were banned because of increased cardiovascular risk. Phenolphthalein was once used for treating constipation but has been banned for its cancer-causing effect. While thyroxine is used for treating hypothyroidism, inappropriate use could cause severe side effects such as hypertension and irregular heart rate, which might be fatal.
The spokesman urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition.
"People should stop using the products immediately. They should consult a doctor if they feel unwell after taking the products," the spokesman said.
"Weight control should be achieved through good diet and appropriate exercise. People should consult health-care professionals before using any medication for weight control."
(Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201108/17/P201108170282.htm )