Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Public urged not to buy or use slimming products with undeclared and banned drug ingredients (with photos)
******************************************************

     The Department of Health (DH) today (May 16) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume two oral products labelled as "STB Summit of the Thin Body S Woman Degreasing Burning Pill" and "Lightning 10.0+ Reduces Weight", as they may contain multiple undeclared and banned Western drug ingredients that might be dangerous to health.

     The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification of two cases from the Hospital Authority (HA) involving a 24-year-old female patient and a 21-year-old female patient. The DH commenced investigation immediately.

     A DH spokesman said, "The 24-year-old patient was admitted to Castle Peak Hospital on April 29 because of having psychiatric symptoms including suicidal thoughts, persecutory delusion and auditory hallucination. She described a history of consumption of the slimming product named 'STB Summit of the Thin Body S Woman Degreasing Burning Pill', and sibutramine metabolites were detected in her urine sample. Thus, a drug-related adverse effect was suspected clinically. She was discharged on May 9 after treatment.

     "The 21-year-old patient was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on May 5 because of having psychiatric symptoms including suicidal thoughts and visual hallucination. She described a history of consumption of the slimming product named 'Lightning 10.0+ Reduces Weight', and sibutramine metabolites were also detected in her urine sample. Thus, a drug-related adverse effect was suspected clinically. She was discharged on May 7 after treatment."     

     The spokesman added, "The HA's laboratory test results today on both product samples showed the presence of undeclared and banned Western medicines. Sibutramine, phenolphthalein and sildenafil were detected in 'STB Summit of the Thin Body S Woman Degreasing Burning Pill' while sibutramine, phenolphthalein and indomethacin were detected in 'Lightning 10.0+ Reduces Weight'. Preliminary investigations revealed that both slimming products were purchased by the patients from the Internet. The DH's investigation is continuing."

     The spokesman explained, "Sibutramine is a Part I poison and was once a Western medicine used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, all products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of an increased cardiovascular risk. Phenolphthalein was once used for treating constipation but has been banned in Hong Kong for its possible cancer-causing effect.

     "Products containing sildenafil are prescription drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be supplied at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and upon the production of a doctor's prescription. The side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.

     "Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. Its known side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcer and renal impairment. It is well known that users will have increased risks of developing complications like gastrointestinal ulcers, some of which may be undetected until more serious complications like gastrointestinal bleeding set in."

     The spokesman urged members of the public who have purchased the above products to stop using them immediately. In addition, they are advised not to buy or consume products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources. People who are feeling unwell or in doubt after using the products should consult health-care professionals. They can submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

     "Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult health-care professionals before using any medication for weight control," the spokesman remarked.

Ends/Thursday, May 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:48

NNNN

Photo Photo
Print this page