12 Feb 2010
The Department of Health (DH) today (February 12) called on the public not to buy or consume a product called "Tai Er Si Yi Wei A Suan Jiao Wan" as it claimed to contain a western medicine, isotretinoin, that may cause serious side effects.
People who have bought the product should stop using it immediately and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.
The product was found for sale at an internet auction site.
A DH spokesman said the product was not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong.
Isotretinoin is a Western medicine. When taken orally, it is used for treating severe acne that has not responded to other measures. The medicine is not indicated for uncomplicated adolescent acne.
Its common side effects include dryness of skin with scaling and redness, conjunctivitis, dry sore mouth, visual disturbance, hair thinning and mood changes. It may cause fetal malformation and spontaneous abortion and should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnancy should be avoided for one month after treatment has been stopped.
A product containing isotretinoin must be registered before sale in Hong Kong. It can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.
The spokesman urged the public not to sell or resell unregistered pharmaceutical products.
"The sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment," the spokesman said.
People who possess the product 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.
Those with skin problem should consult medical professionals for appropriate advice and treatment," the spokesman said.