Press Release

DH urged public not to consume a slimming product containing sibutramine

2 December 2005

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 2) urged members of the public not to buy or consume a slimming product, Mei zi qian wei su (?????), which was found to contain a western drug ingredient and may cause side effects.

Members of the public who have purchased the product should immediately stop using it and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.

A DH spokesman said as a result of a complaint concerning the product received last month, DH staff purchased a sample for laboratory tests.

"Sibutramine (????) was found in the product but it was not registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance."

"Sibutramine is a western drug ingredient used as appetite suppressant. It can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, and persons with heart problems should not take it. Products containing sibutramine are western medicines and must be registered before sale," the spokesman said.

"Products containing this drug ingredient are Third Schedule poisons under Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. They can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist," he added.

Members of the public are advised to dispose of the product or submit it to the Pharmaceutical Service of DH at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours.

DH has also set up a hotline 2319 2839 for enquiries during office hours.

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

"Members of the public should control their weight in terms of observing good dietary practice and appropriate physical activities. Before using drugs for weight reduction, they should first consult their family doctors," he added.