3 August 2012
The Department of Health (DH) today (August 3) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume an unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) called "Ginseng Plus – Capsules for waist & muscle pain", as it may contain undeclared Western drugs that are dangerous to health.
The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) about a 79-year-old female patient. The DH commenced investigation immediately.
"The patient sought treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on July 1 because of slurring of speech, dizziness and lower limb weakness. She was found to have impaired renal function after admission. She described a history of recent use of the above pCm and other western medicines for her joint pain and a drug-related adverse effect was suspected. She is now in a stable condition.
"The HA's laboratory test on the pCm sample showed the presence of two undeclared Western medicines Cyproheptadine and Dexamethasone. Investigation thus far reveals that the patient obtained the pCm from a friend who lived overseas. The pCm is not registered in Hong Kong. The DH investigation continues," a DH spokesman said.
"Cyproheptadine is used to relieve allergy and can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Dexamethasone is a steroid and a prescription-only medicine. Taking dexamethasone for a long time, especially when in substantial dosage, can cause side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, peptic ulcer and even osteoporosis," the spokesman added.
"People who have taken this pCm should consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt. Members of the public are urged not to buy or consume products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources. People with arthritis and joint-pain should consult healthcare professionals for appropriate advice or treatment," the spokesman urged.