23 Mar 2010
The Department of Health (DH) today (March 23) draws attention to a warning issued by Health Canada to healthcare professionals following their safety review on Avelox (moxifloxacin),which concluded that Avelox may be associated with the rare but potentially life threatening risk of liver injury.
Symptoms of liver problems include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes, severe itching, dark urine, and pale-coloured stools.
Avelox is a registered prescription drug in Hong Kong, available in tablets and injections.
It is an antibacterial agent used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections.
A DH spokesman said: "Healthcare professionals will be informed of the issue."
"Patients are advised to seek advice from their attending doctors if they develop signs and symptoms of liver problems."
"DH will liaise with Health Canada for details. The Registration Committee of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board will follow up the issue."
So far, no report of adverse drug reactions regarding the use of Avelox was received, he said.