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The Department of Health (DH) today (April 18) endorsed a licensed drug wholesaler, Hoepharma (HK) Ltd, to recall all batches of a pharmaceutical product called A-Lices Scalp Hygiene Shampoo 1% (registration number: HK-59822) from shelves due to a quality issue.
The DH today received notification from Hoepharma that the manufacturer in Malaysia found that four batches of A-Lices Scalp Hygiene Shampoo 1% had failed an assay test during post-market evaluation. The active ingredient, malathion, was found to be lower than what was stated in the product specifications and the manufacturer was uncertain about the stability of the product. As a precautionary measure, the manufacturer decided to recall all batches of the product from the market.
Malathion, an active ingredient in A-Lices Scalp Hygiene Shampoo 1%, is an over-the-counter pharmaceutical product used for the treatment of head lice. The failure in the assay test may affect the efficacy of the product.
The DH has requested Hoepharma to provide a detailed investigation report on the cause of the incident. The DH's investigation is continuing.
"According to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), selling a drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment," a DH spokesman said.
According to Hoepharma, a total of 18 339 bottles of the product were imported into Hong Kong since registration in 2010. The product was supplied to public and private hospitals, DH clinics, private doctors and pharmacies.
Hoepharma has set up a hotline on 2710 9618 to answer public enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
The spokesman advised members of the public who are in doubt to seek advice from health-care providers.
Ends/Thursday, April 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:50
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