The Department of Health (DH) today (July 7) called on members of the public not to buy or use a slimming product named "REDUCE WEIHGT Capsule" which was found to have contain an undeclared Western drug ingredient that may cause serious side effects.
The appeal was made following investigations by the department into two reports from the Hospital Authority concerning two persons who felt unwell after consuming the same slimming product they bought on the Internet.
The first report involved a 21-year-old woman who presented with palpitations, headache and dry mouth and sought medical treatment at Tseung Kwan O Hospital on May 11.
Another case involved an 18-year-old woman who sought medical treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on June 22 for palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and dizziness.
Both of them did not require hospitalisation. They are now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on samples of the product showed the presence of sibutramine.
A spokesman for DH said sibutramine is a Western medicine used as an appetite suppressant. Its side effects include dry mouth, palpitation, insomnia, increased blood pressure and heart rate, emotional disturbance, and possibly convulsions. People with heart problems should not take it.
The spokesman said a product containing sibutramine must be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and under the supervision of a pharmacist.
The sale of an unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable to the maximum penalties of a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.
The spokesman said: "Those who have the product should stop using it immediately and consult medical professionals for advice if they feel unwell."
They should destroy and dispose of the product or submit it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office hours.
The spokesman said, "Weight control should be achieved by having a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. People should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control."
Reprinted from HKSAR Government :
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200907/07/P200907070159.htm