2 Mar 2010
A 42-year-old woman was today (March 2) arrested in a joint operation between the Department of Health (DH) and the police as part of a follow-up investigation into the sale of a product which claimed to contain a western medicine, isotretinoin, on the Internet.
The woman, suspected of selling and possession of an unregistered pharmaceutical product, was being held for investigation.
A number of boxes of the product "Tai Er Si Yi Wei A Suan Jiao Wan" were found in a home search.
"According to preliminary enquiry, these products were obtained from a Mainland drug store and put up for sale on an auction site," a department spokesman said.
The department issued a warning on February 12 reminding people not to take the product as it claimed to contain a western medicine, isotretinoin.
The 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.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing isotretinoin must be registered before sale in Hong Kong. They can be only sold 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.
Those with skin problem should consult medical professionals for appropriate advice and treatment.