The Department of Health (DH) today (October 4) drew the public's attention to the further recall of another antiseptic product.
 
     Following the previous announcements on the recall of antiseptic products, the DH has collected products containing a low concentration of chlorhexidine from different brands for micro-organism tests in batches. Analytical results indicated that Burkholderia cepacia complex were detected in a product, namely Disinfectant & Cleanser (see photo). This product contains 0.05 per cent chlorhexidine digluconate and 0.15 per cent cetrimide, which is not classified as a pharmaceutical product under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138).
 
     The above product is distributed by Kam Sing Medicine Co. The company is voluntarily recalling the product from the market and has set up a hotline to answer related enquiries during office hours (please refer to the table below).
 
     Currently, the following 14 antiseptic products are being recalled:
 

Distributor	Product name	Hotline
Sources (U.S.A.) Medicines Ltd	Pro-Medi Prosept solution	2411 3463 2411 3182
	Smart Medi Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution
	Dr. MAX'S Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution
	Bio Cept Antiseptic Solution
	B.M Medi Antiseptic Solution
	Uni Cept Antiseptic Solution
	Pro-Medi Antiseptic Solution
	B.M Medi Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution
	Pro-Medi Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Solution
Kam Sing Medicine Co	Kam's KS-MED solution	2392 7537
	0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Antiseptic Sanitize (KS Medical)
	Disinfectant & Cleanser
C & L Pharmaceutical Ltd	CANCARE AntiSept Solution	2475 9168
Karui (Japan) Co Limited	KaruiCare Antiseptic Solution	3525 1738

     As at 4pm today, the DH's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has recorded a total of 183 patients (involving 84 males and 99 females, with ages ranging from 24 to 100 years; with 172 cases diagnosed at public hospitals and 11 cases diagnosed at private hospitals) affected by the infection. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
 
     Currently, products containing a low concentration of chlorhexidine not labelled for use on broken skin or wound care are not classified as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. Members of the public should not use these products for wound care or on broken skin. The DH has collected products containing a low concentration of chlorhexidine from different brands for micro-organism tests in batches. Results will be announced as soon as possible.
 
     "Members of the public, especially those who have a weakened immune system should pay extra attention to personal hygiene. Registered pharmaceutical products should be used and instructions given by healthcare professionals should be followed if they need to carry out wound care on their own. The public should seek medical advice if in doubt," a spokesman for the DH said.

     "Normal saline (solution of 0.9 per cent sodium chloride) is a commonly used cleansing fluid. As it is similar to human body fluid, it does not irritate wound tissues and causes less pain when applied. Antiseptics may irritate the wound or cause an allergic reaction. Generally, a non-infected wound could be cleansed with normal saline and antiseptics are not required, while an infected wound must be managed according to a doctor's instructions," the spokesman added. For more information on wound care, please visit www.elderly.gov.hk/english/healthy_ageing/home_safety/wound_care.html.
 
     Members of the public can refer to the appendix for information on registered antiseptic pharmaceutical products containing chlorhexidine as well as sterile saline solution for irrigation. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". People should seek advice from healthcare professionals before using pharmaceutical products.

Ends/Friday, October 4, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:55

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