The Department of Health (DH) today (August 23) appealed to the public not to buy or use two topical products, ACH Cortizone EX Ultra Moisturizing Natural Herbs Anti-Itch Cream and ACH Cortizone EX Ultra Moisturizing Natural Herbs Anti-Itch Cream Natural plant, as they were found to contain an undeclared controlled drug ingredient.
 
     Acting upon a public complaint, the DH purchased samples of the above two products for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the product samples contained betamethasone dipropionate, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138). The products are also suspected to be unregistered pharmaceutical products.
 
     The DH today conducted an operation against a pharmacy in Tin Shui Wai, during which a 40-year-old man was arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH's investigation is continuing.
   
     Betamethasone dipropionate is a steroid substance for treating inflammation. Its side effects include moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, skin atrophy, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Products containing betamethasone dipropionate are prescription medicines that 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.
 
     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 unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
   
     Upon completion of its investigation, the DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer the relevant case to the Board for consideration of possible disciplinary action.
     
     The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to 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". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
 
     People who have purchased the products concerned should stop using them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:33

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