Press Release

Proprietary Chinese medicine with western drug ingredients found

12 May 2005

The Department of Health (DH) today (May 12) called on members of the public not to buy or use a brand of proprietary Chinese medicine "??????" which contained western drug ingredients and may cause side effects.

The two ingredients, diazepam and chlorpromazine, are prescription-only drugs and they should only be used under medical supervision.

Diazepam is a tranquilizer and chlorpromazine is used in a variety of psychiatric conditions. Diazepam can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Chlorpromazine can cause liver damage.

The appeal followed an investigation into a case of liver damage involving a 61-year-old man who had taken the medicine in question obtained from the Mainland for insomnia. However, it is uncertain whether his liver damage was caused by the product.

The DH has no record of this proprietary Chinese medicine being imported into Hong Kong for sale. The relevant authorities in the Mainland have been informed.

Members of the public who have been using "??????" are advised to immediately stop taking it and to seek medical attention if they feel unwell.

They are urged to dispose of the medicine or submit it to the DH's Pharmaceutical Service at the third floor, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.

People with insomnia should consult medical professionals for appropriate advice and medication if necessary.