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

Eleven men and one woman arrested in connection with murder in Tin Shui Wai

     Police have further arrested 11 men and a woman in connection with a murder case in Tin Shui Wai since August. Among them, two men aged 29 and 32 were arrested for murder at Shenzhen Bay Port today (December 26) and are being detained for investigation.

     The other nine men (including one non-ethnic Chinese man) and the woman were arrested for murder, assisting offenders and perverting the course of public justice between August and November in various districts across Hong Kong.

     Investigation revealed that the arrestees are suspected to be connected with a murder case happened in Tin Shui Wai on August 25, in which a 51-year-old man died.

     In connection with the case, Police have arrested a total of 23 men and four women, aged between 25 and 67. Eleven of the arrestees have been laid holding charges with murder, conspiracy to murder, assisting offenders and perverting the course of justice respectively. The cases were mentioned at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts between August and November. Fourteen arrestees have been released on bail, and two are being detained for further enquiries.     

     Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is under way.

     Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3362.

Source: AI-found images