Go to main content
 
DH investigates case of proprietary Chinese medicine adulterated with Western drug ingredient (with photo)
******************************************************************************************
     The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 18) investigating a case of a registered proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) adulterated with a Western drug ingredient, diclofenac. The product name is Tik Dak Win (registration no: HKP-05141) and the related batch number is 330017.

     A sample of the above product collected from the DH's market surveillance was found to contain undeclared diclofenac upon testing by the Government Laboratory. Preliminary investigations revealed that the above product had been imported from the Mainland by its registration holder, Lung Choy Shung Five Photos Brand Medicine Fty (Lung Choy Shung), for external packing and local sale.

     According to the package insert, the above product is indicated for traumatic injury. Lung Choy Sung is voluntarily recalling all batches of the product from market as a precautionary measure and has set up a hotline (2431 4780) for related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.

      "Diclofenac, a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (the Ordinance) (Cap 138), is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. Its known side-effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and peptic ulcer. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the above product have been received. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.

     According to the Ordinance, illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of investigations, the DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to consider taking possible disciplinary action.

     The DH urged the public who have purchased the above product stop taking it immediately. Those who have consumed the product and are feeling unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals.  They can submit the product to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.
 
Ends/Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:34
NNNN
Today's Press Releases  

Photo

The Department of Health is today (April 18) investigating a case of a registered proprietary Chinese medicine adulterated with a Western drug ingredient, diclofenac. The product name is Tik Dak Win.