DH investigates case of undeclared Western drug ingredient detected in powder prescribed by registered Chinese medicine practitioner (with photo)
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DH received a notification of a suspected poisoning case of acute liver failure involving a 64 year-old female from the Hospital Authority (HA) yesterday (December 21). The DH commenced investigations immediately.
The patient was prescribed the powder, containing undeclared Western drug ingredient by the above CMP. Laboratory investigation by the HA detected the presence of Western drug ingredient "paracetamol" in the powder sample from the patient. The patient attended Pok Oi hospital initially and was transferred and admitted to the intensive care unit of Queen Mary Hospital for treatment subsequently. The patient's condition was later stabilised and transferred to a general ward for continuation of treatment.
Upon receipt of notification, DH had already conducted a joint operation with the Police yesterday. During the operation, a man aged 76 was arrested by the Police for illegal manufacturing and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH has also seized the above powder during the operation. Preliminary investigation revealed that the above CMP compounded the powder by himself at the above premises and prescribed the powder to patients mainly for pain relief. The Government Laboratory's analysis revealed that minute amounts of a Western drug "paracetamol" is detected in the powder. The detected amount is however far below the level generally associated with clinical poisoning. Investigation is ongoing.
"'Paracetamol' is commonly used for its anti-pyretic and analgesic effects. Overdose may cause liver and kidney damage," a DH spokesman said.
The DH will issue letters to Chinese medicine associations to alert them to the above case and to remind CMPs not to prescribe Chinese medicines which contain Western medicines to their patients when practising Chinese medicine as it violates the laws and endangers public safety and health.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal manufacturing and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigations, the DH will consult the Department of Justice on prosecution matters. The DH has already referred the case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for consideration of possible disciplinary action.
Members of the public who possess the above powder should stop using it immediately. Those who have consumed the powder and feel unwell should seek advice from healthcare professionals. People who possess the above powder may submit it to the DH's Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Friday, December 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:38
Issued at HKT 21:38
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