A 67-year-old man was arrested today (May 2) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police for the suspected illegal sale of an unregistered pharmaceutical product called "Men's Rogaine Extra Strength 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution".
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the DH found that the above product was being offered for sale on the Internet. The product is labelled as containing minoxidil, a Part I poison. A Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration number was not found on the product label. During the operation, the Police arrested the man for suspected illegal sale of an unregistered pharmaceutical product and Part I poison.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Minoxidil topical solution is commonly used for the treatment of hair loss. The side-effects include scalp irritation and itchiness.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) before they can be sold legally in the market. Part I poisons should be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of registered pharmacists. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
A DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use products of unknown or doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". Unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed.
"People who have purchased such products should stop using them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They should submit them to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal," the spokesman said.
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the DH found that the above product was being offered for sale on the Internet. The product is labelled as containing minoxidil, a Part I poison. A Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration number was not found on the product label. During the operation, the Police arrested the man for suspected illegal sale of an unregistered pharmaceutical product and Part I poison.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Minoxidil topical solution is commonly used for the treatment of hair loss. The side-effects include scalp irritation and itchiness.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) before they can be sold legally in the market. Part I poisons should be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of registered pharmacists. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
A DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use products of unknown or doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". Unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed.
"People who have purchased such products should stop using them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They should submit them to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal," the spokesman said.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201305/02/P201305020407.htm