DH raids retail shop for suspected illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products (with photo)
***************************************************************

     The Department of Health (DH) and the Police today (June 21) conducted a joint operation and raided a retail shop in Sha Tin for suspected illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products, which were found to contain undeclared controlled ingredients.
 
     Acting upon a public complaint, samples of products were purchased from the above shop for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that the samples of three products contained undeclared Part 1 poisons, which are as follows:
 
  Product name Part 1 poisons found
1. Zang Yao Xuan Du Wang Cao Ben Ru Gao Clobetasol propionate and miconazole
2. Miao Jia Du Xuan Gao Clobetasol propionate, miconazole and ketoconazole
3. 苗药皮癣王喷剂 (no English name) Miconazole
 
     During the operation, two women aged 31 and 61 were arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH's investigation is continuing.
 
     Clobetasol propionate is a steroid substance used 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 the 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 products concerned should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use," a DH spokesman said.
 
     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/Thursday, June 21, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:08

NNNN