The Department of Health (DH) today (December 7) endorsed the recall by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturer Advance Pharmaceutical Co Ltd (APC) of five products from the market, namely Harex Gripe Mixture (registration number: HK-57713), Andrex Baby Water (HK-57714), Hap Gripe Mixture 0.3% (HK-57284), Advance Gripe Mixture 0.3% (HK-58165) and Prolyter Baby Water 0.3% (HK-58168), due to quality issues.
"We were notified by APC that one batch of the above five products was found to have failed the microbial test during the ongoing stability study. As a precautionary measure, APC is recalling all the above products from the market. Investigations into the causes are underway," a spokesman for the DH said.
APC has set up a hotline (2680 3034) to answer related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
So far, the DH has not received any adverse reports in connection with the affected products while investigations continued.
The above products, which all contain sodium bicarbonate, are over-the-counter medicines used for the relief of abdominal pain due to trapped wind and stomach upset in babies and young children.
According to APC, the affected products have been supplied to local pharmacies and medicine companies, and exported to Macau.
"Healthcare professionals and pharmacies are advised to stop supplying the affected products to patients. Members of the public who are taking the products should stop and consult their doctors for advice," the spokesman advised.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201512/07/P201512070637.htm