The Department of Health (DH) today (September 28) urged the public not to buy or consume a virility product named "HE ABSOLUTE KING" as it was found to contain an undeclared controlled ingredient. ​     
   
     Acting upon intelligence, the DH earlier purchased a sample of the above product via a social media platform for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained tadalafil, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138).    

     The DH's investigation is continuing. ​      
   
     Tadalafil is used for treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under the advice of a medical doctor. Side effects of tadalafil include low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of tadalafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
   
     According to the Ordinance, the illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. 

     Members of the public are strongly urged not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition. People who have purchased the above product should stop taking it immediately and consult healthcare professionals for advice if in doubt or feeling unwell after consumption. They may submit the product to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

​     The public may visit the webpage of the DH's Drug Office's page for the health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products and information on virility products found to contain undeclared Western medicines.

Ends/Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:45

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