Only licensed dispensaries authorised to sell prescription drugs

10 Mar 2010

In response to media enquiries about drug distributors selling prescription drugs to patients without authorization, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (March 10) that only licensed dispensaries are authorised to sell prescription drugs to patients.

DH launched investigation upon receipt of a report earlier claiming that two drug distributors sold "Aranesp", "Recormon", "Mircera" and "Renagel" directly to kidney patients.

The spokesman said "Aranesp", "Recormon" and "Mircera" are licensed medicines for treating patients with anaemia associated with chronic renal failure whereas Renagel is a licensed medicine used for hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic renal failure.

These medicines can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.

He said, "According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138), only licensed dispensaries are authorised to sell prescription drugs to patients.

"Sale of controlled drugs by any companies or anybody not in accordance with the law is an offence under the Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment."

"DH is now seeking legal advice on the next move," he added.