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The Department of Health (DH) today (May 7) urged members of the public not to buy or use a brand of product known as "More Slim" which was advertised for slimming as it was found to contain an undeclared drug ingredient with potential serious side effects.
The appeal followed investigations by the department into a public complaint concerning the product supplied by a slimming centre called Perfect Shape in Sheung Shui.
A DH spokesman said remnant of the product was taken for laboratory test. Results available today showed the presence of sibutramine, a western medicine commonly used for slimming.
The department had conducted an operation in the slimming centre this afternoon which resulted in the seizure of 13 packs of the concerned product.
The department has also ordered the centre to recall and stop selling the product.
The spokesman said sibutramine may cause increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, it must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist. Possession or sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is liable on conviction to a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.
Members of the public who have used the product are urged to stop taking it immediately and seek advice from healthcare professionals if they feel unwell.
They should submit it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours, destroy them before disposal.
They can also return it to the respective branches of the slimming centre and call the centre's telephone hotline 23593882 concerning the recall.
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.
Ends/Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:59
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