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In response to media enquiries about drug distributors selling prescription drugs to patients without authorisation, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (March 10) that only licensed dispensaries are authorised to sell prescription drugs to patients.
The DH launched an investigation upon receipt of a report earlier claiming that two drug distributors sold Aranesp, Recormon, Mircera and Renagel directly to kidney patients.
The spokesman said Aranesp, Recormon and Mircera are licensed medicines for treating patients with anaemia associated with chronic renal failure whereas Renagel is a licensed medicine used for hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic renal failure.
These medicines can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.
He said, "According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138), only licensed dispensaries are authorised to sell prescription drugs to patients.
"Sale of controlled drugs by any company or anybody not in accordance with the law is an offence under the Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
"The DH is now seeking legal advice on the next move," he added.
Ends/Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:52
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