Woman arrested for illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products (with photo)
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Acting upon a public complaint, two types of pharmaceutical products for asthma and pain relief were found being offered for sale via a social media platform. The products were labelled in Japanese and do not bear Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration numbers.
The product for asthma relief is believed to contain tulobuterol (with three strengths of 0.5mg, 1mg and 2mg, and all labelled with "sawai") while the product for pain relief is believed to contain ibuprofen (labelled with "EVE QUICK"). Both ingredients are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138) (the Ordinance).
Tulobuterol is a bronchodilator and its side effects include palpitations, arrhythmias, headaches and tremors. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Products containing the above ingredients should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner. The DH's investigation is ongoing.
According to the Ordinance, 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 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.
The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources, as the safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed. All registered pharmaceutical products carry a Hong Kong registration number on the label in the format of HK-XXXXX.
People who have purchased the above products should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals for advice if in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They can submit the products to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:12
Issued at HKT 20:12
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