The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (May 30) published the biannual issue of the Medication Safety Bulletin (MSB). This issue focuses on etomidate, a drug that is commonly used in clinical practice to induce anaesthesia or to facilitate sedation. Recently, etomidate has been used illegally as a narcotic and is known as the space oil drug. Since etomidate has been up-regulated as a Dangerous Drug, healthcare professionals should comply with relevant requirements on storage, issuance, etc, and maintain regular inspection.

     The latest issue also reminds healthcare professionals that the "On Long Term Steroid Replacement Alert" has been implemented in the Clinical Management System to safeguard patients receiving long-term hydrocortisone replacement therapy. In addition, the Kowloon Central Cluster shares its experience in enhancing dispensing accuracy with the implementation of the Pick-to-light system in the General Out-patients Clinics.

     The publication has already been posted on the HA homepage for sharing with healthcare staff. Members of the public are also welcome to browse its content at the following link: www.ha.org.hk/msb. The MSB is published every six months, during the last week of May and November. The next issue will be published in November 2025.

Ends/Friday, May 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:00

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