29 Dec 2008
The Department of Health (DH) today (December 29) urged people not to buy or use a brand of slimming product called Linglongquxian as it was found to have contained undeclared drug ingredients that may cause serious side effects.
The appeal was made following the department's investigations into a report concerning a 32-year-old woman who developed unstable mood on December 13. She was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and was discharged on December 23 in stable condition.
Investigation revealed that she had taken the product, which was bought from Shenzhen, before the onset of symptom. Yet, there may be other underlying factors. Further investigations are on-going.
The spokesman said that laboratory tests on the product sample today showed the presence of sibutramine and phenolphthalein.
Sibutramine is a Western medicine used as appetite suppressant for slimming under close medical supervision. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, symptoms of psychosis, and possibly convulsion. People with heart problems should not take it.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, it must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.
Phenolphthalein was used for treating constipation but has been banned for its cancer causing effect.
He appealed to people who had been using the product to stop using it immediately. They should consult their medical professionals for advice if they felt unwell.
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.
The spokesman stressed that a balanced diet and exercise were crucial factors in keeping fit and healthy. People who want to lose weight are advised to consult medical professionals.