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The Department of Health (DH) is today (July 8) investigating a case of a proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm), namely [Kam Yuen Brand] Xue Guan Qing Dao Fu Tablet (registration number: HKP-04598) (batch number: 1401), tainted with a Western medicine ingredient. A sample had been found to contain a trace amount of an undeclared Western medicine ingredient, paracetamol, during the DH's market surveillance.
The DH's preliminary investigation revealed that the above pCm was manufactured on the Mainland and was imported by the registration holder, Kam Yuen Medicine Company, for local sale. Kam Yuen has voluntarily recalled the affected pCm from consumers.
"According to the product's package insert, the pCm is used for promoting blood flow and dispelling stagnation, warming and freeing meridians. Kam Yuen has set up a hotline on 3427 3918 for related enquiries. We will closely monitor the recall. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the pCm have been received. Investigation is ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.
"Paracetamol is commonly used for its anti-pyretic and analgesic effects. Inappropriate use may cause liver and kidney damage," the spokesman explained.
According to section 52 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), selling any drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $10,000 and three months' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to consider taking possible disciplinary action.
Members of the public who have purchased the pCm should stop taking it immediately. Those who have taken it and are feeling unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals. People who have the pCm can submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:00
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