29 May 2008
The Department of Health today (May 29) appealed to members of the public not to buy or use two products named "PHALLION Super Strong" (扶陽寶(強勁)) and "Better Life" (倍特力養生膠囊) respectively as they were found to have contained undeclared drug ingredients that may cause serious side effect.
A spokesman for the department noted that the samples were obtained from two shops during strengthened market surveillance conducted in Causeway Bay recently.
Laboratory tests on the products today showed the presence of sildenafil and tadalafil which are usually used for treating male sexual dysfunction. The department immediately conducted operations this afternoon, resulting in the seizure of eight boxes of "Better Life" from the shop and distributor.
The spokesman said the side effects of sildenafil and tadalafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances. They may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing any of these ingredients 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 products 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.