************************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) today (May 16) urged people wishing to reduce weight to consult healthcare professionals and stressed that a balanced diet and exercise are key factors in keeping fit and healthy.
A DH spokesman said the appeal was made following the department's investigation into a poisoning case reported by the Hospital Authority. A 19-year-old woman developed symptoms of psychosis after taking three different types of unknown slimming products.
Hospital laboratory tests on products obtained from the patient revealed the presence of undeclared western drug ingredients -- phenolphthalein, sibutramine and thyroid hormones, which may cause serious side effects. Results of testing by the Government laboratory are pending.
The woman developed symptoms of psychosis including insomnia, auditory and visual hallucinations, delusion and confusion and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on March 15. She was later discharged on April 14.
She had taken three different types of slimming products in capsule form before the onset of symptoms. Information available revealed that one of the products is a pink-pearl colour, the second is light brown and the last is white-pearl. Their names and sources are still under investigation.
The spokesman said phenolphthalein was used for treating constipation and has been banned for its cancer causing effect.
Sibutramine is a western drug ingredient used as an appetite suppressant for slimming under close medical supervision. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart problems should not take it.
Thyroid hormones are used for treatment of hypothyroidism (subnormal activity of the thyroid gland). Side effects include tremors, palpitations, excessive sweating, insomnia, headache and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm).
Products containing these ingredients must be registered before they can be sold in Hong Kong. They are classified as prescription only medicine and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.
The spokesman urged members of the public who have used similar 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.
Ends/Friday, May 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:41
NNNN
