Press Release
Warning on slimming product with banned drug ingredients
24 Oct 2011
The Department of Health (DH) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume slimming products of unknown or doubtful composition as they may contain undeclared drug ingredients that are dangerous to health.
The appeal followed DH’s receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) about a case of heart failure involving a 48-year-old woman who had history of consuming a slimming product.
The woman attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital for shortness of breath and ankle swelling on October 14. She was admitted on the same day after diagnosis as heart failure.
The patient revealed that she had been taking a slimming product called “SlimEasy Herbs Capsule”, which was purchased from an unknown source in the Mainland, for about two years. Laboratory test on the product remnant conducted by HA showed the presence of banned drug ingredients – sibutramine and phenolphthalein.
“The DH is investigating whether the patient’s symptoms are related to the consumption of the product. The condition of the patient subsequently improved after treatment and was discharged on October 19,” a DH spokesman said.
Sibutramine is a Part I poison and was once a western medicine used as appetite suppressant. In November 2010, sibutramine containing products have been banned because of the increased cardiovascular risk. Phenolphthalein was once used for treating constipation but has been banned for its cancer-causing effect.
Sale of products containing banned western drug ingredients is not allowed in Hong Kong. Sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The spokesman exhorted members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition.
People should stop using the above product immediately if they have it in their possession. They should consult healthcare professionals if they feel unwell or are in doubt after taking the product.
The spokesman said: "Weight control should be achieved through balanced diet and appropriate exercise. People should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control."
