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Public urged not to consume a proprietary Chinese medicine adulterated with undeclared western medicine
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (July 23) called on members of the public not to buy or use a proprietary Chinese medicine named "Kam Yuen Brand Wan Ying Yang Gan WanĄ¨ which was found to have adulterated with western medicine, sildenafil, that may cause serious side effect.

     The importer of the product, Kam Yuen Medicine Company, informed DH that sildenafil was found in the product during a product testing, the spokesman said.

     The side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels.
 
     DH conducted an immediate inspection and seized all remaining stock from the company.
 
     The importer initiated a voluntary recall of the product from the market. A hotline 3427 3918 has been set up to answer public enquiries. DH will monitor the recall. Investigation is ongoing.

     Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing sildenafil must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.

     Sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable to the maximum penalties of a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.

     Members of the public who have bought the product are advised not to take it. They are urged to seek advice from their doctors if feeling unwell after consuming the product.

     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. If they have enquiries, there is a hotline no. 2572 2068 which operates during office hours.

Ends/Thursday, July 23, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:01

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