Press Release

Recall of ointments for skin diseases

6 Apr 2009

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 6) that Hind Wing Co. Ltd. (Hind Wing), a licensed importer of pharmaceutical products, had initiated a recall of two batches of Dithrasal ointment as they were found containing a higher than permitted level of 1,8 dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHAQ) by the Australian authority.

The ointments are used for treatment of psoriasis.

The ointments, Dithrasal 1% Ointment (Registration No.: HK44964, Batch No. 6A49) and Dithrasal 2% Ointment (Registration No.: HK44963, Batch No. 345296) imported from Australia, were found to contain higher than permitted levels of DHAQ, a known breakdown product of the active ingredient in Dithrasal ointment. The Therapeutic Goods Administration of the Australian Government has instructed a consumer-level recall of the product.

The spokesman said high levels of DHAQ have been associated with the development of tumours in animal studies.

"While there is no scientific evidence of association between DHAQ and the development of tumours in humans, the product is being recalled as a precaution to avoid any potential safety risk to consumers," he said.

The two ointments are supplied in 50g tubes. According to the importer, 393 out of 432 tubes of the 1% product imported have been supplied to Hospital Authority, DH, some private doctors and pharmacies, while 50 out of 72 tubes of the 2% ointment imported were sold to private doctors and pharmacies.

Hind Wing has initiated consumer-level recall of the two batches of ointment from the market. It has set up a hotline (Tel: 2541 6569) to answer clients' enquiries.

The spokesman said, "Doctors and pharmacists are reminded to stop administering or supplying the concerned batches to their clients.

"Consumers, who have concerns over the use of the products, should consult their doctors."

DH's investigation is on-going.