Press Release

People urged not use slimming products with undeclared drug ingredients

8 Jun 2009

The Department of Health (DH) today (June 8) called on members of the public not to buy or use two slimming products named "Slim Pure" and "Ku Xiu Ba Xiang Jian Fei Wan" which were found to have contained undeclared western drug ingredient that may cause serious side effects.

The appeal was made following investigations by the department into enquiries from members of the public who claimed to have bought the product on the Internet.

Laboratory tests on the sample showed the presence of sibutramine and sibutramine analogue.

Sibutramine is a western drug used as appetite suppressant for slimming under close medical supervision. Its side effects included increased blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart problems should not take it.

Sibutramine analogues, being chemically similar to sibutramine, are expected to have the same side effects as sibutramine.

The spokesman said, products containing sibutramine must be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.

Sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable to the maximum penalties of a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.

The spokesman said: "Those who have possessed the products should stop using it immediately and consult medical professionals for advice if they feel unwell."

They should destroy and dispose of the products or submit them to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.

The spokesman said, "Weight control should be achieved by observing good diet and appropriate exercise. They should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control.