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The Department of Health (DH) today (February 1) urged members of the public to seek medical advice before taking health products for treating sexual dysfunction following reports of people developing serious side-effects after taking them.
A spokesman for DH said the department commenced investigations immediately after receiving four cases reported by the Hospital Authority (HA). Investigations revealed that two men, aged 44 and 53 respectively, were admitted to hospital for symptoms of low blood sugar level in January 2008. Their symptoms subsided after treatment.
It was reported that they had taken some unlabelled red/yellow capsules (see photo) bought from retail shops in North District before the onset of symptoms. Laboratory tests conducted by HA on a sample of the capsules showed the presence of glibenclamide, sildenafil and tadalafil.
Investigations into the other two cases are ongoing.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are used for treatment of sexual dysfunction. Their side effects include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances. They may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels.
Glibenclamide is an ingredient used for treating diabetes. It could cause nausea and gastro-intestinal upset. Improper use may cause a significant fall in blood sugar level with serious health consequence.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing any of the three ingredients must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
The spokesman urged people who had a problem of sexual dysfunction to consult medical doctors for advice. They should stop taking over-the-counter products similar to the one in question and seek medical attention if they feel unwell after consuming such products.
They should dispose of the products or submit them to the Pharmaceutical Service of DH at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.
Ends/Friday, February 1, 2008
Issued at HKT 23:31
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