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A medicine company in Aberdeen was raided today (January 30) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police. The shop was suspected to have illegally possessed unregistered pharmaceutical product with controlled drug ingredients.
Based on the market surveillance system of DH, the medicine company was found to possess a product known as "TRANKAL" Capsules. The product, labelled as containing dexamethasone and indomethacin (both are Part I poisons), is not a registered pharmaceutical product and does not bear the Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration number on its product label.
During the operation, the shop owner (a 54-year-old male) was arrested by the Police for illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical product and Part I poison.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Both dexamethasone and indomethacin are prescription medicines which should only be used under the advice of a medical doctor. Prescription medicines should only be supplied at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and upon the production of a doctor's prescription.
Dexamethasone is a steroid. Taking dexamethasone for a long time, especially in substantial dosage, can cause side-effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, adrenal insufficiency and even osteoporosis. Indomethacin is used to relieve pain and inflammation. Its known side-effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcers and renal impairment.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal possession of Part I poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
A DH spokesperson strongly urged members of the public not to buy and use unregistered pharmaceutical products from the market as such products have not been evaluated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong and their safety, quality, and efficacy may not be guaranteed. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX".
People who are taking the above product are advised to consult health-care professionals. They can submit the product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:45
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