The appeal was made following the department's investigations into a report concerning a 23-year-old woman who developed symptoms of palpitation, hand tremors and shortness of breath on October 28. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital on November 3 but was not admitted to hospital.
Investigation revealed that she had taken the product, which was obtained from friends, before the onset of symptoms.
A spokesman for the department said that laboratory tests on the product sample today showed the presence of sibutramine.
Sibutramine is a Western medicine used as appetite suppressant for slimming under close medical supervision. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, symptoms of psychosis, and possibly convulsion. People with heart problems should not take it.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, it must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
"Possession or sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product can mean a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment," the spokesman said.
He appealed to people who had been using the product to stop using it immediately. They should consult their medical professionals for advice if they felt unwell.
They should destroy and dispose of the products or submit them to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.
The spokesman stressed that a balanced diet and exercise were crucial factors in keeping fit and healthy. People who want to lose weight are advised to consult medical professionals.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page :
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200811/18/P200811180193.htm