DH raids retail stall for suspected illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products (with photo)
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Acting upon intelligence, samples of products were purchased previously from the above stall for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory confirmed that samples of the following three products contained undeclared Part 1 poisons:
| Product name | Part 1 poisons found | |
| 1. | Zang Yao Xuan Du Wang Cao Ben Ru Gao | Clobetasol propionate and miconazole |
| 2. | Qi Du Zang Wang Gao | Clobetasol propionate |
| 3. | Xie Wang Jin Gu Leng Fu Tie | Diclofenac |
During the operation today, a 35-year-old man was arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The DH is carrying on with the investigation.
Clobetasol propionate is a steroid substance for treating inflammation. Inappropriate or excessive application of steroids could cause skin problems and body-wide side effects like moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Products containing clobetasol propionate should be used under a doctor's directions and be supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Miconazole is used for the treatment of fungal infections with side effects including local irritation and sensitivity reactions. Diclofenac is used for the relief of pain and common side effects of using diclofenac-containing analgesic patches include itching and rash at the site of application.
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 unregistered pharmaceutical products and 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 use 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. Those who have purchased the products concerned should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use," a DH spokesman said.
They can submit the products to the DH's Drug Office in Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:15
Issued at HKT 19:15
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