Health Department Orders Recall of 14 Amitriptyline Tablet Batches Due to Impurity Concerns

Batch recall of two products of Apo-Amitriptyline tablets due to presence of impurity

The Department of Health (DH) today (October 18) endorsed a licensed drug wholesaler, Hind Wing Co Ltd, to recall a total of 14 batches of the following two products from the market as a precautionary measure due to the presence of impurity in the products.

Name of product

Hong Kong registration number

Batch number

Apo-Amitriptyline Tablets 10mg

HK-09273

RN6384

RR0266

RV1644

RW8597

TA6008

TF8585

TF8587

TF8589

Apo-Amitriptyline Tablets 25mg

HK-09274

RM8130

RR0781

RV1656

RW8691

TA6062

TF8602

The DH received notification from Hind Wing that the overseas manufacturer of the products is recalling the above batches of Apo-amitriptyline tablets as they exceed or may exceed the accepted level of an impurity, N-Nitrosonortriptyline (NNORT). NNORT is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on results from laboratory tests. As a precautionary measure, Hind Wing is voluntarily recalling the affected batches of products from the market.

The above products, containing amitriptyline, are prescription medicines used for the treatment of depression. According to Hind Wing, the above batches of products had been imported into Hong Kong. The affected batches of products had been supplied to the DH clinics, pharmacies, private doctors, and private hospitals, and re-exported to Macao.

Hind Wing has set up a hotline (2541 5731) to answer related enquiries.

"So far, the DH has not received any adverse reaction reports in connection with the products. The DH will closely monitor the recall," a spokesman for the DH said.

"Patients who are taking the above products should not stop taking the medicine, but should seek advice from their healthcare professionals as soon as possible for appropriate arrangements," the spokesman added.

Batch recall of two products of Apo-Amitriptyline tablets due to presence of impurity Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Batch recall of two products of Apo-Amitriptyline tablets due to presence of impurity Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Murder in Sau Mau Ping

Police are investigating a murder case happened in Sau Mau Ping on December 29 in which a woman died.

At around 9.40pm on December 29, Police received a report from the family of a 35-year-old local woman that she was found missing after leaving her residence in Sau Mau Ping in the small hours on the same day.

Upon further investigation, Police believed the woman had been to a unit in Hei Wah House, Lok Wah South Estate. Police officers located the woman in the unit yesterday (December 30) morning. Sustaining multiple injuries to her head and body, she was certified dead at scene. Initial investigation revealed that the deceased was suspectedly assaulted with a hard object.

Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.

Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of Kowloon East is under way.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 0065 or 5965 8337.

Source: AI-found images