25 Nov 2009
Members of the public are urged not to buy or consume a slimming product labeled as "Ten Day Slim" as it was found to have contained undeclared western medicines that may cause serious side effects, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (November 25).
The appeal was made following the arrest of a man and a woman for selling a slimming product with undeclared western drug ingredients during a recent joint operation with Police.
Laboratory tests on the product showed the presence of sibutramine and two analogues of sibutramine.
During the operation, seven other slimming products were also found.
According to preliminary enquiry, the products concerned were bought from the Mainland and sent to Hong Kong by post. They were then put up on a local Internet auction site for sale.
The two persons were released on bail pending further enquiries. Investigation by DH is ongoing.
The spokesman said sibutramine is a western medicine used as an appetite suppressant. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, psychosis and possibly convulsion. 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.
A product containing sibutramine must be registered before it can be sold in Hong Kong. It can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.
The spokesman exhorted members of the public not to sell or resell products of unknown or doubtful composition.
He said: "Sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
Members of the public should not buy products with unknown ingredients as their safety and quality are doubtful. Unlawful possession of product containing controlled drug such as dangerous drug is liable to prosecution."
People should stop using the product immediately. They should see a doctor if they feel unwell after taking the product.
They should destroy and 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.
The spokesman said, "Weight control should be achieved through good diet and appropriate exercise. They should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control."