DH investigates suspected illegal possession and sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products (with photo)
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Upon intelligence, a pharmacy in Tseung Kwan O was found displaying for sale various unregistered pharmaceutical products, including two eye drops and an external preparation. All the products do not bear Hong Kong registration numbers for pharmaceutical products in the package, while most of them are labelled in foreign languages (including Japanese and English).
Preliminary investigation indicated that, among the relevant medicines seized during the enforcement operation, two products contain neostigmine, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). The investigation is ongoing.
Eye drops with neostigmine can be used in the management of glaucoma. It may cause ocular pain and irritation as well as blurred vision as side effects. Products containing the above ingredient should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and under 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 is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH strongly urges members of the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products as their safety, efficacy and quality are not guaranteed. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX".
Members of the public should not self-medicate without advice from healthcare professionals. People who have purchased and used the above products should stop using them 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/Thursday, June 29, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:11
Issued at HKT 18:11
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