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DH investigates case of undeclared Western drug ingredient detected in cream product prescribed by registered Chinese medicine practitioner (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (September 2) urged members of the public who consulted a registered Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP), Chan Fai-lam, practising at GoodHealth Chinese Medical Center at Shop A15, G/F, Kingswood Richly Plaza, Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, to take note of a cream product he prescribed as it was found to contain an undeclared Western drug ingredient.

     Acting upon intelligence, the DH conducted a surprise inspection at the above CMP's premises and seized a quantity of cream products earlier. The DH received a test result today from the Government Laboratory confirming that the sample of an unlabelled green cream product seized at the above CMP's premises (see photo) was found to contain an undeclared Western drug ingredient, namely clobetasol propionate. As a result, a man aged 43 was arrested by the Police today for illegal possession of a Part 1 poison and an unregistered pharmaceutical product. Investigations are ongoing.

     Clobetasol propionate, a corticosteroid, is a Part 1 poison and prescription medicine for treating inflammation. Inappropriate use of a corticosteroid may cause serious side effects such as Cushing's syndrome, with symptoms including moon face and muscle atrophy.
 
     The DH will set up a hotline (2961 8949) for public enquiries relating to the cream products prescribed by the above CMP. The hotline will operate from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) starting tomorrow (September 3).
 
     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal possession of Part 1 poisons or unregistered pharmaceutical products is an criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment upon conviction. Upon completion of investigation, the DH will consult the Department of Justice on prosecution matters. The DH will also refer the case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for consideration of possible disciplinary action.

     Members of the public who have been prescribed with cream products by the above CMP and feel unwell or are in doubt should consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible. They may submit the products to the DH's Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal. 
 
Ends/Thursday, September 2, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:10
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The Department of Health today (September 2) urged members of the public who consulted a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, Chan Fai-lam, practising at GoodHealth Chinese Medical Center at Shop A15, G/F, Kingswood Richly Plaza, Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, to take note of a cream product he prescribed as it was found to contain an undeclared Western drug ingredient.