*********************************************************
A retail shop in Causeway Bay was raided by the Department of Health (DH) today (February 27). The company was found to be selling an unregistered pharmaceutical product with undeclared controlled drug ingredients.
Based on the market surveillance programme of the DH, the company was found to be selling a product known as GlucoTranz Patch. The product claimed to have a treatment effect on type 2 blood glucose. Analysis conducted by the Government Laboratory revealed that the product contains undeclared Part I poisons, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The product is not registered as a pharmaceutical product with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong.
During the operation, a 36-year old salesman was arrested for suspected illegal sale of Part I poisons and an unregistered pharmaceutical product. Preliminary investigation revealed that the unregistered pharmaceutical product with undeclared Part I poisons was sourced by the company from outside Hong Kong. The company was instructed to recall the product from the market.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are sympathomimetic drugs which are commonly used for treatment of cold and blocked nose. They are both Part I poisons which should only be sold in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine can cause serious side effects such as hypertension and tachycardia, especially in patients with cardiovascular problems.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Board before they can be sold legally in the market. Illegal sale and possession of Part I poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
A DH spokesperson strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use products of unknown or doubtful composition. In addition, they should not buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products as such products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX".
People who have a high blood sugar level or diabetes mellitus should refrain from self-medication and consult their health-care providers for proper treatment. Diabetic patients who are on medication should not stop using or adjust their medications without consulting their medical practitioners. Members of the public who have bought the above product should stop using it and consult health-care professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after using the product. They may submit the product to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:43
NNNN
