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The Department of Health today (November 12) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use a slimming product named "Kalomee" as it was found to contain an undeclared drug analogue that may cause serious side effects.
A spokesman for the department said that laboratory tests on the product sample today showed the presence of N,N-didesmethylsibutramine which is an analogue of sibutramine.
The sample was obtained from a beauty parlour in Tuen Mun during market surveillance recently.
DH officers inspected the beauty parlour this afternoon and instructed it to stop selling the product. The wholesaler was also instructed to recall the product from the market. A telephone hotline 3106 8091 has been set up by the wholesaler to answer public enquiries on the recall.
Sibutramine is a Western medicine used as an appetite suppressant for slimming. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, symptoms of psychosis and possibly convulsion. People with heart problems should not take it.
The spokesman said sibutramine analogues, being chemically similar to sibutramine, are expected to have the same side effects as sibutramine.
He appealed to members of the public who have been using the product to stop using it immediately. They should consult their medical professionals for advice if they feel unwell.
They should destroy and dispose of the products or submit them to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office hours.
The spokesman stressed that a balanced diet and exercise are crucial factors in keeping fit and healthy. Members of the public who want to lose weight are advised to consult medical professionals first.
Ends/Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:43
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