​The Department of Health (DH) today (July 31) carried out an enforcement operation with the Police against the suspected illegal sale of a topical product containing undeclared controlled medicines (see photo) at a beauty parlour in Causeway Bay. During the operation, a 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of the illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and an unregistered pharmaceutical product.

     Acting on a complaint, the DH earlier purchased a sample of the product labelled "Dermasa" from a beauty parlour on Hysan Avenue in Causeway Bay for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the product sample contained prilocaine, as well as lignocaine and tetracaine, which are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is also suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.

     The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop using it immediately, and reminded the public not to buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.

     Lignocaine, tetracaine and prilocaine are local anaesthetics which are used topically to relieve pain. Common side effects are hypersensitivity reactions.

     Topical products containing the combination of lignocaine, tetracaine and prilocaine are prescription medicines and should be used under a doctor's directions and be supplied on the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (i.e. 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 sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty on conviction of each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     The DH reminded members of the public that 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 product concerned should stop using it immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or if they are feeling unwell after use. They may submit the product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 4105, 41/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Friday, July 31, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:30

NNNN