Press Release
Warning on a slimming product with banned and undeclared drug ingredients
20 Dec 2011
The Department of Health (DH) appeals to members of the public not to buy or consume a slimming product named “纤之素胶囊” which bears the name "常青春" on its capsules, as it 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 young lady who had a history of consuming a slimming product. DH commenced investigation immediately. The 20-year-old lady presented a history of hand tremors and substantial weight loss to her doctor in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was admitted on December 10 for investigation. She volunteered a history of consumption of a slimming product called “纤之素胶囊” continuously for 2 months. The product was purchased in the Mainland directly by the patient's friend. HA's preliminary laboratory test on the product sample showed the presence of western medicines including three banned drug ingredients – sibutramine, phenolphthalein, fenfluramine, and animal thyroid tissue.
“The patient was discharged against medical advice on December 13 after receiving treatment,” a DH spokesman said.
Sibutramine is a Part I poison and was once a western medicine used as appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, sibutramine containing products have been banned because of an increased cardiovascular risk. Phenolphthalein was once used for treating constipation but has been banned for its cancer-causing effect. Fenfluramine was banned from the market because it may cause pulmonary hypertension and valvular heart diseases. Animal thyroid tissue is not an appropriate agent for weight reduction.
The spokesman exhorted members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, including during travel. People should consult healthcare professionals if they feel unwell or are in doubt after taking the product.
"People should stop using the above product immediately if they have it in their possession. They ought to submit it to the Chinese Medicine Division of DH at 16/F, Two Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, " 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," the spokesman concluded.
