DH urges public not to buy or consume slimming product with undeclared Western drug ingredient (with photo)
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During the DH's market surveillance, a sample of the above product was purchased from a mobile application for analysis. Testing results of the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained orlistat. The DH's investigation is continuing.
"Orlistat is a Part 1 poison used for the treatment of obesity. Its side-effects include faecal urgency, fatty stool, increased frequency of defecation, faecal incontinence, headache and abdominal pain. Severe liver injuries may also be induced," a spokesman for the DH said.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH strongly urged the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of HK-XXXXX. Safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
"Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control," the spokesman advised.
People who have purchased the above product should stop taking it immediately and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They can submit it to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:00
Issued at HKT 14:00
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