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Alert of unregistered Western-drug-tainted proprietary Chinese medicine (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (April 27) urges the public not to buy or use a proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) named "Jin Gu Feng Shi Kang Jiao Nang" manufactured in Shandong because it is unregistered and also adulterated with Western drugs.

     A DH spokesman deliberated that the above has been found out as the Department investigates into a referral from the Hospital Authority (HA).????

     "The history goes that a 47-year-old Chinese man attended a public hospital for sciatica and low back pain.  He volunteered dizziness and passage of tarry stool on April 15.? Of relevance was a month's history of taking the forth mentioned drug. The patient was discharged in stable condition on April 19," the spokesman described.

     "Today, the Government Laboratory reported that multiple Western medicines were found in a sample of the suspicious drug.  Included are prednisone acetate and a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, indomethacin, naproxen and piroxicam.  If the pCm is consumed according to the instruction, prednisone, diclofenac and indomethacin are within usual therapeutic levels.?

     "Investigation thus far reveals that the pCm was purchased in Shandong by the patient's friend.? The pCm is not registered in Hong Kong and there is neither record of import.  DH has received no related adverse report.  Investigation is to continue," the DH spokesman added.?

     "NSAIDs are used extensively for musculoskeletal pain. It is well known that users will have increased risks of developing complications like gastrointestinal ulcers, some of which may be silent until secondary complications like bleeding set in.?Prednisone is a steroid. Taking prednisone for a long time, especially in substantial dosage, can cause side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and also peptic ulcer," the spokesman elaborated.

     "Members of the public should stop using the above product immediately. If they have any in their possession, they ought to submit it to the Chinese Medicine Division of DH at 16/F, Two Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours.? People often purchase pCm.  They are advised to patronise reputable outlets. Especially when travelling outside of Hong Kong, they should consult healthcare professionals whenever they feel unwell or are in doubt after having taken suspicious medicinal products," the spokesman advised.

Ends/Friday, April 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:56

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