The Department of Health (DH) today (February 22) appealed to the public not to buy or consume a slimming product named SIN DEN BEAUTY as it was found to contain undeclared and banned drug ingredients that might be dangerous to health.
 
     The DH commenced investigation upon receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) regarding a female patient with a history of consuming the above slimming product.
 
     "The patient was admitted to hospital for acute psychosis. Sibutramine metabolites were detected in her urine sample," a DH spokesman said.
 
     According to testing results from the HA, which were later confirmed by the Government Laboratory, the sample of the product provided by the patient was found to contain the banned substances sibutramine and phenolphthalein.
 
     Preliminary investigation revealed that the patient purchased the slimming product through a social media network platform. The DH's investigation is continuing.
 
     Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of increased cardiovascular risk. Phenolphthalein was once used to treat constipation, but has been banned in Hong Kong for its cancer-causing effect.
 
     The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or consume products from unknown sources. Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption.
 
     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 public may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for health messages on overweight problem and slimming products (www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/consumer/slim.html) and information on slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients (www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/specMedsNews/slimming/en/consumer).
 
     People who have purchased the products may submit them to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Ends/Thursday, February 22, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:40

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