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A 37-year-old man was arrested today (September 24) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police for illegal sale of two unregistered pharmaceutical products, namely Finpecia tablets and Kirkland Signature Minoxidil Topical Solution, with suspected controlled Western drug ingredients.
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the DH found that the above two products were being offered for sale on the Internet. The products were labelled as containing finasteride and minoxidil respectively. Both are Part I poisons, while finasteride is also a prescription drug. Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration numbers were not found on any of the product labels. During the operation, the Police arrested the seller for suspected illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Finasteride is generally used for the treatment of hair loss, with side-effects including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Minoxidil is commonly used topically for the treatment of hair loss, with side-effects including scalp irritation and itchiness.
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 a registered pharmacist. 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.
A DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products 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 the above products should stop using them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They should submit them to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for handling," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:45
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