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The Department of Health (DH) today (May 22) urged members of the public not to buy or use two brands of slimming products named Super Fat Loss and Natural Slimming because they were found to have contained undeclared ingredients that may cause serious side effect.
The appeal was made after the department's follow up and investigations into public enquiries about the products. Two members of the public had bought these products from the Internet and had queries on them. One of them claimed to have taken Super Fat Loss, but none of them complained of feeling unwell.
Laboratory tests on products obtained from the enquirers revealed the presence of undeclared western drug ingredients of phenolphthalein and sibutramine which may cause serious side effects.
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 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.
Products containing sibutramine 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 the product 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, 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.
Ends/Thursday, May 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:31
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