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DH alerts public to proprietary Chinese medicine not complying with legal requirements of package insert (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (August 5) drew the public's attention to a proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm), namely [Tai An Tang Brand] Qilin Pill (registration number: HKC-16767, batch number: A20140409) as it was found not complying with the package insert requirements stipulated in the Chinese Medicines Regulation (Cap 549F) during market surveillance.

     The DH's preliminary investigation revealed that the pCm had been manufactured in the Mainland and imported by its registration holder, Tai An Tang Pharmaceutical (Hong Kong) Company Limited (Tai An Tang), for local sale. The pCm contains processed Radix Polygoni Multiflori claimed to supplement the 'Qi' and nourish blood. It was revealed that clauses and reminders under the item "its contra-indications" and "precautions to be taken regarding its use" with respect to pCm containing Radix Polygoni Multiflori, as stipulated by the Chinese Medicines Board under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK), were not shown in its package insert, such as contra-indicated in those suffering from liver or kidney malfunction and pregnant women etc. Related information is detailed in the attachment.

     PCms not complying with legal requirements of package insert could convey wrong information and mislead consumers. The DH noted that Tai An Tang voluntarily recalled the related batch of the pCm from consumers and had set up a hotline (3595 2658) for related enquiries. Investigation is ongoing and the DH will closely monitor the recall. So far, no related adverse reports have been received by the DH.

     "According to section 144 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), no person shall sell or possess for the purpose of selling any pCm without a package insert which complies with the prescribed requirements. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. We will seek advice from the Department of Justice on prosecution matters upon completion of the investigation, and will also refer the case to the CMCHK for consideration of possible disciplinary action," a spokesman for the DH said.

     The DH advised members of the public who have consumed the pCm and are feeling unwell to seek advice from healthcare professionals. People who have the pCm might submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:04

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