DH urges public not to buy or consume product with undeclared controlled ingredient (with photo)
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During the DH's market surveillance, a sample of the above product was purchased for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that the sample contained sildenafil, a Part 1 poison.
Officers of the DH initiated an investigation immediately and seized a quantity of the above product. The DH's investigation is continuing.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for erectile dysfunction and should be taken under doctor's advice or supplied at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
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 sold legally in the market. Illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
"The public should not buy or consume products of doubtful composition. 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. Those who have purchased the above product should stop taking it immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after consumption," a DH spokesman said.
"The public may visit the Drug Office's webpage for health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products for more information," the spokesman added.
They may submit the product to the Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Thursday, March 30, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:41
Issued at HKT 18:41
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