Registered Chinese medicine practitioner arrested for allegedly prescribing cream product containing undeclared Western drug ingredients
The Department of Health (DH) today (September 4) said that a registered Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) practising in Jordan was arrested for allegedly prescribing a cream product (see photo) containing undeclared Western drug ingredients to patients. Members of the public should stop using the cream if they have been prescribed the product concerned.
Acting upon intelligence, the DH raided the premises of registered CMP Chong Sai-wa Andy at Champion Building in Jordan and seized a batch of the cream product for analysis. Test result from the Government Laboratory confirmed that an unlabelled yellow cream sample contained undeclared Western drug ingredients, namely dexamethasone acetate, miconazole and paracetamol. In light of the test result, the DH notified the Police today, and the registered CMP was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Dexamethasone acetate, a corticosteroid, is a Part 1 poison and prescription medicine for treating inflammation. Inappropriate use of corticosteroids may cause serious side effects such as Cushing's syndrome, with symptoms including moon face and muscle atrophy. Miconazole, also a Part 1 poison, is an antifungal medicine commonly used for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin. It can cause side effects such as itching, irritation and an allergic reaction when used topically. Paracetamol is commonly used for its anti-pyretic and analgesic effects, but an overdose may cause liver and kidney damage.
The DH will continue to investigate the case and has requested the CMP concerned to contact his patients who have been prescribed the above cream product to stop using it.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), illegal possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offenceupon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigations, the DH will consult the Department of Justice on prosecution matters. The DH will refer the case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for consideration of possible disciplinary action.
Members of the public who have been prescribed the cream product by the above CMP who feel unwell or are in doubt should consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible. They may submit the medicines concerned to the DH's Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
Registered Chinese medicine practitioner arrested for allegedly prescribing cream product containing undeclared Western drug ingredients Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
