Press Release

Public urged not to consume product with undeclared medicine

14 Jul 2009

Members of the public are urged not to buy or consume a product for joint pain labeled as "特效風濕骨痛靈" as it was found to have contained undeclared western medicine that may cause serious side effects, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (July 14).

The appeal was made after the investigation into an incidental finding of indomethacin in the product.

Laboratory tests on the product showed the presence of indomethacin, a non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drug used for rheumatism, pain and inflammation. Its known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea and peptic ulcer.

Indomethacin is a Third Schedule poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and should only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Products containing indomethacin must be registered before sale. The sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable on conviction to a maximum $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.

The product was claimed to be obtained from a pharmacy in Tai Po. DH had initiated an immediate investigation. Investigation is still ongoing.

"Members of the public who have obtained the product should immediately stop using it and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.

"They should submit the product to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours or destroy them before disposal," the spokesman said.

People with joint pain should consult medical professionals for appropriate advice and treatment," he said.