The Department of Health (DH) today (June 4) endorsed the voluntary total recall of Derma Skin Spray (registration number: HK-54689) by a local drug manufacturer, Meyer Pharmaceuticals Limited (Meyer), from the market as some sale packs of the product bear unapproved labels which rendered the product unregistered.
A DH spokesman revealed that the matter came to light upon the department's investigation into a public enquiry about the product.
Investigation revealed that Meyer had sold the product to a distributor, Forward Medicine Ltd. (Forward). Forward in turn sold the product to local retailers. During the course of distributing the product, Forward relabelled some sale packs of the product without authorisation.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Derma Skin Spray contains salicylic acid and is an over-the-counter medicine used for the treatment of athlete's foot.
So far, DH has not received any adverse event report in connection with the product.
"Here, the illegal manufacture of pharmaceutical products and sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance are suspected. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment," the spokesman explained.
Meyer has set up a hotline 2601 2670 for public enquires. DH will monitor the recall.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201206/04/P201206040549.htm