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Illegal supply of unregistered Western drugs
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (September 26) alerted clients of Ms Lam Ping-tai (Lin Gu), of a premises called "Lin Gu Die Da Yi Guan" at Po Heung Street in Tai Po, that if they have been supplied with a type of beige pill marked with "v" on one side, a type of pink pill or a type of orange-white capsule, particularly for management of pain conditions, they should stop taking them.

     The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) about a 64-year-old man who had a history of consumption of the above medicines prescribed by Ms Lam. The DH commenced investigation immediately.

     "The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on September 5 because of development of shortness of breath and skin rash over the face and neck several hours after taking the above medicines. Thus, a clinical diagnosis of drug-related allergic reaction was suspected. He was discharged from hospital on September 7 after treatment.

     "The HA's laboratory test on the three unlabeled drug samples obtained from the patient showed the presence of Western drugs. Famotidine was found in the beige pill marked with 'v' on one side, diclofenac was found in the pink pill and both dexamethasone and indomethacin were found in the orange-white capsule," a DH spokesman said.

     "Dexamethasone is a steroid and a prescription-only medicine. Taking dexamethasone for a long time, especially when in substantial dosage, can cause side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, peptic ulcer and even osteoporosis. Indomethacin and diclofenac are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used for relief of pain and inflammation. Their known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea and peptic ulcer. As for famotidine, it is an over-the-counter Western drug commonly used to suppress secretion of stomach acid," the spokesman explained.

     "In the present case, given that there is no record to show that Ms Lam is either a registered medical practitioner or a pharmacist, and there is the suspicion that she may actually be practising medicine in a premises, DH staff are supporting the Hong Kong Police Force in the inspection of the premises conducted today. The investigation is continuing," the spokesman said.

     "Members of the public must stop using the drugs given by Ms Lam immediately. Also, if they feel unwell or suspect they are suffering from adverse effects after taking the above drugs, they are advised to consult health-care professionals," the spokesman urged.

Ends/Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:19

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