Press Release

Public urged not to consume unregistered product for managing sexual dysfunction

27 May 2008

The Department of Health today (May 27) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use a product named "Cattle Capsule"(牛寶膠囊) as it was found to have contained sildenafil that may cause serious side effect.

A spokesman for the department noted that the sample was obtained from a shop during strengthened market surveillance conducted in Mong Kok recently.

Laboratory tests on the product showed the presence of sildenafil which is usually used for treating male sexual dysfunction. The department commenced follow-up action immediately and conducted an operation at the shop this afternoon in which 27 bottles of the product were seized.

The side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels.

"Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems," the spokesman said.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing sildenafil must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.

Members of the public who have bought the product are advised not to take them. They are urged to seek advice from their doctors if feeling unwell after consuming the product.

They should destroy and dispose of the products or submit them to the Department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours. If they have any enquiry, there is a hotline no. 2572 2068 which operates during office hours.

The spokesman urged people who had a problem of sexual dysfunction to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate advice if necessary.