Press Release
Public urged to seek medical advice on stopping Neovidan medication
29 Oct 2009
The Department of Health (DH) today (October 29) reminded members of the public not to buy or consume a product called "Neovidan" which was found to contain undeclared Western drug ingredients that may cause serious side effects.
A department spokesman, however, advised those who had taken Neovidan for a long time to seek medical advice before stopping medication as there may be serious effects in acute withdrawal.
The appeal followed the department's investigation into a case involving a 66-year-old woman who had taken Neovidan. The woman showed symptoms of fever, tachycardia, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain on October 13, 2009 after withdrawal of Neovidan.
She was admitted to United Christian Hospital and diagnosed as Addisonian Crisis (a hormonal disorder) induced by acute withdrawal of steroid. She is now in stable condition.
Neovidan was earlier found to contain Western drug ingredients including prednisolone and mefenamic acid. The department has earlier cautioned against Neovidan. It was revealed in ensuing investigations that the sales outlet concerned had folded.
Nevertheless, monitoring will continue.
Prednisolone is a steroid. Taking prednisolone for a long time can cause side effects such as moon face (round face), high blood pressure, high blood sugar and peptic ulcer.
Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea, stomach pain and bleeding.
The spokesman said that products containing prednisolone or mefenamic acid are prescription drugs. In Hong Kong, products containing Western drug ingredients must be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance before sale. The possession or sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable to the maximum penalties of a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.
People who have been using Neovidan are advised to seek medical advice while stopping medication.
They should dispose of the product or submit it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.
