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The Department of Health (DH) has appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume slimming products with banned drug ingredient as they are dangerous to health.
The appeal followed DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) about a case involving a 32-year-old woman who had a history of consuming slimming products. She was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for thyrotoxicosis on October 31.
The patient revealed that she had taken a slimming product called Omine 15, which was purchased from an unknown pharmacy in Sha Tin, for about one month. The HA's laboratory test on the product remnant showed the presence of a banned drug ingredient - sibutramine.
"DH's investigation showed that her thyrotoxicosis is not related to the consumption of the product. She is now in stable condition," a DH spokesman said.
Sibutramine is a Part I poison and was once a western medicine used as appetite suppressant. In November 2010, sibutramine containing products have been banned because of the increased cardiovascular risk.
Sale of products containing banned western drug ingredients is not allowed in Hong Kong. Sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The spokesman exhorted members of the public not to buy products with banned drug ingredients.
People should stop using the above product immediately if they have it in their possession. They should consult healthcare professionals if they feel unwell or are in doubt after taking the product.
The spokesman said: "Weight control should be achieved through balanced diet and appropriate exercise. People should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control."
Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:03
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