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DH investigates case of suspected fake proprietary Chinese medicine adulterated with Western drug ingredient (with photo)
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     The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 25) investigating a case of a suspected fake proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) adulterated with a Western drug ingredient, piroxicam. The product's name is same as [Pak Ton Dick] Pak Ton Dick Woo Lok Oil (registration no. HKP-10494) and the related batch number was 160425.

     A sample of the above product collected from the DH's market surveillance was found to contain undeclared piroxicam upon testing by the Government Laboratory. The DH's preliminary investigations revealed that the above product had been imported from the Mainland by its registration holder, Crown (International) Medicine Health Co (O/B King Crown Industries Limited), for external packing and local sale. It is voluntarily recalling the above batch from consumers.

     According to the product label, the above product is indicated for dispelling wind and activating collaterals as well as relieving pain and swelling. The above registration holder has set up a hotline (2668 8832) for related enquiries.

     "Piroxicam, a Part 1 poison, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. Its known side-effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcer and renal impairment. So far, no adverse reports related to the use of the above product have been received. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.

     According to registration information, the above product should be manufactured by a local licensed pCm manufacturer and then externally packed by the above registration holder. The related manufacturer confirmed that the above product under the batch 160425 had not been manufactured.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of investigations, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to consider taking possible disciplinary action.

     "In addition, as the above product is suspected to be counterfeit, the DH will refer the case to the relevant law enforcement agency to follow up," the spokesman added.

     Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop using it immediately. Those who have used it and are feeling unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals. People who have the above product can submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.
 
Ends/Thursday, May 25, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:45
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The Department of Health is today (May 25) investigating a suspected fake proprietary Chinese medicine adulterated with Western drug ingredient. The product's name is same as [Pak Ton Dick] Pak Ton Dick Woo Lok Oil.