Public urged not to consume product adulterated with undeclared western medicine
Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Department of Health (DH) today (November 20) called on members of the public not to buy or use a product for joint pain called "¯S®Ä·Àã°©µhÆF" as it was found to have been adulterated with undeclared western medicine, dexamethasone that may cause serious side effect. The appeal was made after the investigation into an incidental finding of dexamethasone in the product. Laboratory tests on the product showed the presence of dexamethasone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for suppression of inflammation, allergic disorders, and treatment of joint pain.
Taking dexamethasone for a long time can cause side effects including moon face, central obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar and peptic ulcer. In July this year, the Department had cautioned against a product with the same name "¯S®Ä·Àã°©µhÆF" as it was found to have contained undeclared western medicine ingredient, indomethacin. Dexamethasone is prescription medicine and must be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Products containing dexamethasone must be registered before sale. A DH spokesman said, the sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable on conviction to a maximum $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment. Investigation revealed that the product was claimed to be bought from a pharmacy in Tseung Kwan O.
Investigation by DH is still ongoing. Consumers should stop using the product under medical supervision and seek medical advice for any concerns or symptoms related to the product. "They should submit the product to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours or destroy them before disposal." "People with joint pain should consult medical professionals for appropriate advice and treatment," he said.
Source: HKSAR Government
Published on: 2009-11-20
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