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A pharmacy in Lam Tin was raided in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police for illegal sale of prescription medicine today (February 21).
Through the DH's surveillance programme, the pharmacy was found to be selling a prescription medicine without a doctor's prescription. During the operation, a 48-year-old salesman of the pharmacy was arrested.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
The prescription medicine concerned contains dexamethasone and indomethacin. It should only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and upon a doctor's prescription. According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal sale of prescription medicine is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
Dexamethasone is a steroidal medicine commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, osteoporosis and Cushing's syndrome.
Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine commonly used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort and headache.
A DH spokesperson urged members of the public not to buy prescription medicines directly from pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. Moreover, they should not use prescription medicines on their own without advice from a doctor. Self-medication could affect treatment results and cause harmful side effects.
Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:01
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