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The Department of Health (DH) today (January 18) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume an oral product named "Te Xiao Feng Shi Wang" as it may contain undeclared Western drug ingredients that are dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) about a 61-year-old male patient who had a history of consuming the above product. The DH commenced investigation immediately.
"The patient, with chronic illness, presented with coughing, haemoptysis and shortness of breath and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital for further management on January 3. He is now in a critical condition. The preliminary clinical diagnosis is chest infection and sepsis. Incidentally, he described a history of consumption of the above product. However, preliminary information indicated that he had stopped using the product about three months before the onset of symptoms," a DH spokesperson said.
The HA's laboratory test on the product sample showed the presence of multiple undeclared Western medicines, including prednisone and a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin, diclofenac, piroxicam, naproxen and ibuprofen. Investigations revealed that the patient obtained the product from a friend who purchased it on the Mainland. The DH's investigation continues.
The spokesperson said, "Prednisone is a steroid and a prescription medicine. Taking prednisone for a long time, especially in substantial dosage, can cause side-effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, peptic ulcer, adrenal insufficiency and even osteoporosis.
"Indomethacin, diclofenac, piroxicam, naproxen and ibuprofen are NSAIDs used to relieve pain and inflammation. Their known side-effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcers and renal impairment. It is well-known that users will have increased risks of developing complications like gastrointestinal ulcers, some of which may be undetected until more serious complications like gastrointestinal bleeding set in."
The spokesperson urged the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or consume products from unknown sources. They should consult health-care professionals if they feel unwell or are in doubt after taking such products.
Members of the public who are in possession of the product can submit it to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Friday, January 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:48
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