The Department of Health (DH) today (July 15) said that a registered Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) at Jardine's Crescent, Causeway Bay, was arrested for allegedly prescribing cream products containing undeclared Western drug ingredients to patients. Members of the public should stop using the ointment if they have been prescribed the cream products concerned.

     Acting upon intelligence, the DH raided CMP Chan Ching-ting's premises in Capitol Centre Tower 2 and seized a batch of cream product for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that samples of two unlabelled yellow cream products (see photo) contained undeclared Western drug ingredients, namely triamcinolone acetonide, miconazole and paracetamol. In addition to the above ingredients, the large bottle of about 5.5 centimetres in diameter was also found to contain another undeclared Western drug ingredient, dexamethasone. In the light of the test results, the DH notified the police today and the registered female Chinese medicine practitioner, who is suspected of illegal possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products, was arrested.

     Dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide are corticosteroids. They are Part 1 poisons and prescription medicines for treating inflammation. Inappropriate use of corticosteroids may cause serious side effects such as Cushing's syndrome, with symptoms including moon face and muscle atrophy. Miconazole, a Part 1 poison, is an antifungal medicine commonly used for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin. It can cause side effects such as itching, irritation and an allergic reaction when used topically. Paracetamol is commonly used for its anti-pyretic and analgesic effects but an overdose may cause liver and kidney damage.

     The DH will continue to investigate the case and has requested the CMP concerned to contact her patients who have been prescribed the cream products concerned for medical surveillance.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), illegal possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigations, the DH will consult the Department of Justice on prosecution matters. The DH would 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 who feel unwell or are in doubt should consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible. They may submit the medicines concerned 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/Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:35

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