Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Public urged not to buy or consume health product with undeclared controlled drug ingredients (with photo)
*******************************************************

     The Department of Health (DH) today (February 5) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume a product named "DETOX MAX ②" as it was found to contain controlled drug ingredients.

     During DH's market surveillance, a sample of "DETOX MAX ②" was collected for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory showed that the product contains two undeclared controlled drug ingredients, dipyrone and diclofenac. However, the product has not been registered as a pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong.

     Dipyrone and diclofenac are Part I poisons and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve pain. Their side-effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and peptic ulcers.

     Products containing dipyrone or diclofenac are prescription drugs and should be supplied at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon doctor's prescription. 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. Illegal sale and 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 or use products of 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 could not be guaranteed.

     People who have purchased the above product should stop taking it immediately and consult health-care professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They should 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.

Ends/Thursday, February 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:58

NNNN

Photo
Print this page