Press Release

DH instructs recall of a health product

15 September, 2004

The Department of Health (DH) today (September 15) advised members of the public not to buy or use the health product "Morgan" which contained a western drug ingredient, Tadalafil.

Tadalafil is used for erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Tadalafil is a prescription drug and its use has to be supervised by medical practitioners as it could cause side effects such as headache and upset stomach. It will also cause serious hypotension among people with heart diseases.

A DH spokesman said the importer has been instructed to immediately recall the products from the market within seven days and to surrender them to DH.

"Members of the public who have purchased the product are advised to stop using them, dispose of the product or surrender it to the Pharmaceutical Service of DH at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours," the spokesman said.

Members of the public may call the importer's hotline at 2723 3796 for matters related to recall of the product.

DH has also set up a hotline 2319 2839 for health enquiries from members of the public until 8 pm today and during office hours from tomorrow.

Products containing western medicine are pharmaceutical products and must be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance before they are allowed to be put on sale. "Morgan" has not been registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

The spokesman reminded importers and retailers that the possession and sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products was an offence liable to a maximum penalty of $100 000 fine and two years' imprisonment.