DH raids retail stall for suspected illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical product (with photo)

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     The Department of Health (DH) and the Police today (August 2) conducted a joint operation and raided a retail stall in Tsing Yi for the suspected illegal sale and possession of an unregistered pharmaceutical product named MIAO JIA DU XUAN GAO, which was found to contain undeclared controlled ingredients.

     Acting upon a public complaint, a sample of the above product was purchased for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that the sample contained three Part 1 poisons, namely clobetasol propionate, miconazole and ketoconazole.

     A woman aged 44 was arrested for suspected illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products in the operation today. The DH's investigation is continuing.

     Clobetasol propionate is a steroid substance for treating inflammation. 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. Products containing clobetasol propionate should be used under a doctor's directions and be supplied in a pharmacy under supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Miconazole and ketoconazole are used for the treatment of fungal infections with side effects including local irritation and sensitivity reactions.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     "The public should not buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of 'HK-XXXXX'. Safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed. Those who have purchased the above product should stop using it and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use," a DH spokesman said.

     They can submit the product 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/Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:01

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The Department of Health and the Police today (August 2) conducted a joint operation and raided a retail stall in Tsing Yi for the suspected illegal sale and possession of an unregistered pharmaceutical product named MIAO JIA DU XUAN GAO, which was found to contain undeclared controlled ingredients.