The Department of Health (DH) today (July 15) urged members of the public not to buy or use a product named Syntrax because it was found to have contained yohimbine that may cause serious side effect.
The appeal was made after the department's investigations into a Hospital Authority's report involving a 21-year-old woman who felt unwell and had a history of taking the product for weight reduction.
The patient developed palpitation, dizziness, nausea and hand tremors and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital on June 21. She was discharged on the same day.
A DH spokesman said yohimbine, a type of Part 1 poison, was used for treating impotence. It could only be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist. Its side effects include increases in heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety and broncospasm.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the sample of the product contained yohimbine.
Investigation revealed that she had on and off taken the product daily for a month. The product was purchased from a beauty and gym shop in Mong Kok.
During the operation today, the department seized 10 bottles of products from the shop. Investigation is ongoing.
Products containing yohimbine must be registered before sale. The sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product and possession of Part I poison is an offence liable, on conviction, to a maximum $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.
The spokesman urged members of the public who have used the products to stop taking them immediately and seek advice from healthcare professionals if they feel unwell.
They should submit the products 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.
The spokesman reiterated that a balanced diet and exercise are crucial factors in keeping fit and healthy. Members of the public who want to reduce weight are advised to consult their healthcare professionals first.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government :
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200907/15/P200907150236.htm