DH urges public not to buy or use two external products with undeclared controlled ingredients (with photo)
***************************************************************

     The Department of Health (DH) today (March 13) appealed to the public not to buy or use two external products, namely Great Taste Aloe Skin cream EXCELLCENT EFFECT and Great Taste Aloe Skin cream FULL EFFECT, as they were found to contain undeclared controlled ingredients.

     Acting upon intelligence, the DH purchased samples of the above products from the market for analysis. The test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that both samples contained Part 1 poisons, clobetasol propionate and miconazole. Products containing clobetasol propionate and miconazole should only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription.

     The DH initiated investigation immediately and seized the above products from the seller for further analysis.

     Clobetasol propionate is a steroid substance. Inappropriate or excessive application of steroids could cause skin problems and body-wide side effects like moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Miconazole is used for the treatment of fungal infection with side effects such as local irritation and sensitivity reactions.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     People who have purchased the above products should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They can submit the products to the DH's Drug Office in Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Monday, March 13, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:20

NNNN