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The Department of Health (DH) today (January 10) urged members of the public not to consume slimming capsules dispensed by a doctor who operated one stand-alone clinic in Yau Ma Tei and two others in two outlets in Central and Causeway Bay of a slimming service chain as the slimming capsule was found to contain an unregistered drug.
The appeal came after DH officers seized a large quantity of a dark green colour capsule labeled as "Apisate" (see attached photo) from Dr Cheung Ying-kit's clinic inside Sau San Tong Healthy Trim Institute in Central.
Subsequent laboratory test found the capsule to contain fenfluramine, a pharmaceutical product which has been banned in Hong Kong since 1998 for its serious side-effect association with valvular heart disease.
A spokesman for DH explained that the seizure was made when DH's Pharmaceutical Service conducted monitoring inspections for dangerous drugs.
The spokesman appealed to members of the public who have been using the above capsule for any period of time to stop using it immediately and consult their doctors for medical advice.
"In particular, those who have developed symptoms suggesting impaired heart functions like shortness of breath ought to see a doctor as soon as possible," he said.
DH has set up a hotline at 2125-1133 for public enquiries. Concerned members of the public can call the hotline between 10 am and 6 pm from Mondays to Fridays and between 10 am and 1 pm on Saturdays from tomorrow (January 11) onwards.
The spokesman reiterated that a balanced diet and exercise are crucial factors in keeping fit and healthy. Members of the public who want to reduce weight are advised to consult their doctors first.
Ends/Thursday, January 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:44
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