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The Department of Health today (March 16) urged people not to buy or use a slimming product called "Lexscl Fat Rapid Loss capsules" which was found to have contained undeclared Western drug ingredients that may cause side effects.
A department spokesman said the department obtained samples of the product for investigation after receiving a report from the Hospital Authority concerning a 21-year-old woman who sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on February 16 because of symptoms including hand tremor and an awareness of the heartbeat. Hospitalisation was not required.
Investigations revealed that the woman had taken the slimming product for two weeks before onset of symptoms. It was reported that the product was obtained through internet auction.
The spokesman said the department has no record of the product having been imported into Hong Kong for sale or submitted for registration.
Upon laboratory analysis, the product was found to have contained Western drug ingredients of sibutramine and thyroid hormones.
Sibutramine is used as an appetite suppressant. It can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart problems should not take it.
Thyroid hormones are used for the management of hypothyroidism. Their known side-effects include hand tremor, subnormal activity of the thyroid gland, excessive sweating, headache and insomnia.
Products containing these drug ingredients are Third Schedule poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, which can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision by a pharmacist.
The department has contacted the manager of the internet auction site concerned to remove the product from the list of auctions.
As a precautionary measure, people who have been using the product should stop using it immediately and seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible.
People are reminded that weight control should be achieved by observing good dietary practice and appropriate physical activities. They should consult their doctors before using any drug for weight control.
Anyone who is in possession of the product should dispose of it or submit it to the Pharmaceutical Service of DH at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.
Ends/Friday, March 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:53
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