The Department of Health (DH) today (March 21) urged the public not to buy or consume a health product named BIONERGY as it was found to contain an undeclared controlled substance. ​    
 
     Acting upon intelligence, the DH collected samples of the above product for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that the samples contain nortadalafil, a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (PPO) (Cap 138). ​    
 
     The DH's investigation is continuing. ​    
 
     "Nortadalafil is an analogue of tadalafil, a prescription drug ingredient used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Side effects of tadalafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Nortadalafil, being chemically similar to tadalafil, is expected to pose similar health risks," a spokesman for the DH said.    
 
     According to the PPO, the illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
 
     The spokesman strongly urges members of the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition. People who have purchased the above product should stop taking it immediately and consult healthcare professionals for advice if in doubt or feeling unwell after consumption. They may submit the product to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Thursday, March 21, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:00

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