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A 38-year-old woman was arrested today (May 29) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police for the suspected illegal sale of "FLUCORT f" cream, an unregistered pharmaceutical product with controlled drug ingredients.
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the DH found that the above product was being offered for sale on the Internet. The product is labelled as containing fluocinolone (a steroid classified as Part I poison) and an antibiotic neomycin. A Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration number was not found on the product label. During the operation, the Police arrested the woman for suspected illegal sale of an unregistered pharmaceutical product, Part I poison and antibiotic.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
"Inappropriate use of steroids may cause serious side effects, such as Cushing's Syndrome with symptoms including moon face and muscle atrophy, while inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotics resistance," a DH spokesman remarked.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) before they can be sold legally in the market. Part I poisons should be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of registered pharmacists. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. According to the Antibiotics Ordinance (Cap 137), illegal sale or possession of antibiotics are criminal offences as well. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $30,000 and one year's imprisonment.
The spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use products of unknown or doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". Unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed.
"People who have purchased and are using the product should immediately consult healthcare professionals for advice. They may submit it 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," the spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:41
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