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The Department of Health today (May 16) urged members of the public not to buy or use a product named “XIANGGANGAILDASHENGWU” (香港艾力大达生物) because it was found to contain sildenafil which may cause serious side effects.
A spokesman for the department noted that the sample was among the 13 products obtained from a shop during strengthened market surveillance conducted in Causeway Bay last month.
Laboratory tests on the above product showed the presence of sildenafil which is usually used for treating male sexual dysfunction.
The side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. They may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels.
"Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems," the spokesman said.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing sildenafil must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
Members of the public who have bought the product are advised not to take it. They are urged to seek advice from their doctors if feeling unwell after consuming the product.
They should destroy and dispose of the products or submit them to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office hours. For enquiries, there is a hotline no. 2572 2068 which operates during office hours.
The spokesman urged people who had sexual dysfunction problems to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate advice.
Ends/Friday, May 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:35
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