26 Oct 2010
The Department of Health has instructed Synco (HK) Limited to recall a batch of Bicolax Tablet 5mg (HK-05074,) as the product was found to have failed to comply with the approved specifications in Singapore.
The finding came to light as a result of the department's pharmacovigilance activities that the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the drug regulatory authority of Singapore, announced a recall of the affected batch of the product.
In Hong Kong, the product is an over-the-counter medicine used as a laxative. The affected batch (Batch No. 08013004) was supplied to Hospital Authority, private doctors and drug stores.
A DH spokesman said as the quality of the product may not be guaranteed, a recall of the affected batch has been ordered in Hong Kong as a precautionary measure.
The DH is liaising with the Singapore authorities to obtain more information.
Members of the public should stop using the affected batch immediately. They should consult their healthcare providers if in doubt.
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 drug manufacturer has set up a hotline (2556 0157) for public enquiries.
Investigation continues.