15 Feb 2008
The Department of Health (DH) today (February 15) called on members of the public to take note of a press statement issued by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore yesterday concerning a health product labeled as "Power 1 Walnut" which can cause serious adverse drug reaction.
According to HSA, six patients have been found to have suffered from low blood sugar levels after consuming the product, with one of them currently in critical condition.
It is revealed that glibenclamide and sildenafil, western drug ingredients for treating diabetes and impotence respectively, have been found in the product.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance of Hong Kong, products containing any of the two ingredients must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist. In Hong Kong, "Power 1 Walnut" is not a registered pharmaceutical product.
The spokesman for DH said the department had proactively liaised with HSA to obtain more information about the product.
Glibenclamide is a blood sugar lowering drug for the treatment of diabetes. Improper use may cause serious health consequences including death.
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.
He advised members of the public who are in possession of the product not to take it.
"They are urged to seek advice from their doctors if feeling unwell after consuming the product."
"People who have a problem of sexual dysfunction to consult medical professionals for appropriate advice or medication if necessary," he said.
People who possess the product are advised to dispose of or submit it to DH's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.