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The Department of Health (DH) today (July 8) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume a slimming product called "Lose Weight Coffee" as it was found to contain an undeclared and banned drug ingredient that might be dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) regarding a 43-year-old female patient who felt sick and was admitted to hospital after having consumed the above slimming product. The DH commenced investigation immediately.
"The patient was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on June 16 for psychotic symptoms. She described a history of consuming the above slimming product. Sibutramine metabolites were detected in her urine sample. She was in a stable condition and was discharged on June 18," a DH spokesman said.
According to the HA, and as later confirmed by the Government Laboratory, a sample of the product provided by the patient was found to contain the Part 1 poison sibutramine. Preliminary investigations revealed that the patient's husband purchased the slimming product from a van parked in Sham Shui Po.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of increased cardiovascular risk.
Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption.
Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control.
The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or consume products from unknown sources.
People who have purchased the product may submit it to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Friday, July 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:16
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