Health Department Investigates Illegal Online Sale of Slimming Product Containing Dangerous Drugs

DH investigates illegal online sale of slimming product containing controlled drug ingredients

The Department of Health (DH) today (January 29) is investigating a case of illegal sale of a slimming product containing undeclared controlled drug ingredients on the Internet. Members of the public are urged not to buy or consume the product concerned (see photo) to avoid health risks.

Acting upon intelligence, the DH purchased a slimming product for analysis via an instant messaging application. The product's paperboard packaging bore the English labels "KRN+PM" and "KOREAN PREMIUM". Inside were 30 sealed packaging bags, each containing seven pills and capsules. There was Korean wording displayed on the product's packaging that the product may have originated in Korea.

Laboratory test results revealed that a sample of the orange, round tablet debossed with "Y|H" contained hydrochlorothiazide; and a sample of the green/yellow capsule with "TG" and "FLM" printing contained fluoxetine. Both substances are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO).

The product is suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product. The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.

Hydrochlorothiazide is used for the treatment of hypertension and its side effects include low blood pressure and electrolytes imbalance. Fluoxetine is used for treatment of depression and may cause hallucinations and insomnia. Medicines containing hydrochlorothiazide and fluoxetine should be used under a doctor's direction and be supplied on the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (commonly known as a pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription.

The DH strongly urges members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop consuming it immediately and reminded the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. Purchasing controlled medicines (including slimming drugs) online poses health risks. Besides the lack of a doctor's assessment of an individual's health condition, it is difficult to ascertain the legitimate source of the drugs. It is also impossible to know whether the drugs were properly stored during transportation (especially for drugs requiring cold-chain storage). This leaves their safety, quality and efficacy unguaranteed.

The DH also reminded the public that selling medicines controlled under the PPO illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including instant messaging apps or social media), carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law.

According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Additionally, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons could only be sold at the registered premises of a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. If any contravention of the law is suspected, the DH will follow up and carry out enforcement action. After seeking advice from the Department of Justice, prosecutions against relevant persons may be initiated. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

People who have purchased the products concerned should stop consuming them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or if they feel unwell after consumption. They may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-06, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication for weight control. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for "Health message on overweight problem and slimming products" and "Slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients" for information.

DH investigates illegal online sale of slimming product containing controlled drug ingredients Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH investigates illegal online sale of slimming product containing controlled drug ingredients Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP urges public to remain vigilant as cases of acute gastroenteritis increase in institutions and schools

In view of the recent surge in local acute gastroenteritis (AGE) activity, including AGE outbreaks in institutions and schools, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 29) urged the public to remain vigilant, and maintain good personal, environmental and food hygiene to minimise the risk of infection.

"The CHP's surveillance data shows that AGE outbreaks in institutions and schools have been steadily increasing over the past few weeks. During the first two weeks of January (January 4 to 10 and January 11 to 17), the CHP recorded three cases (involving 18 persons) and seven cases (involving 46 persons) respectively. Last week (January 18 to 24), another 11 cases were recorded, with the number of persons affected surging to 86. The first four days of this week (January 25 to 28) have already seen three outbreaks, involving 23 persons. Furthermore, according to the CHP's sentinel surveillance data, the AGE activity level has also shown an upward trend recently in Family Medicine Clinics, private medical practitioner clinics and child care centres/kindergartens," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

"AGE outbreaks occur throughout the year, but are generally more common in the winter. It is anticipated that the local AGE activity level in Hong Kong will continue to rise in the short term. Members of the public must maintain good personal, environmental and food hygiene to minimise the risk of infection," he added.

AGE can be caused by various viruses, with the norovirus being the most common one. It is highly infectious, and susceptible individuals can be infected by exposure to even a small amount of the norovirus. The virus can be transmitted through various channels such as eating contaminated food, contact with vomitus or faecal matter of infected persons, and contact with contaminated objects, which may lead to a large-scale outbreak. Vomiting in a confined space with suboptimal ventilation poses a potential risk for an outbreak. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to properly and promptly clean up vomitus, and thoroughly disinfect the environment.

The CHP will issue letters to doctors, institutions, schools, kindergartens and child care centres to update them on the latest AGE situation and reminded management of institutions to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures. In case there are AGE outbreaks, they should report them to the CHP as soon as possible for immediate follow up.

Dr Tsui reminded members of the public that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, e.g. norovirus. Members of the public should take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:

• Ensure proper personal hygiene;

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;

• Wear gloves and wash hands after handling vomitus or faecal matter;

• Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with 1:49 diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;

• Stay home from work or school, and seek medical advice if suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea;

• Maintain good indoor ventilation;

• Pay attention to food hygiene;

• Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;

• Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;

• Drink boiled water; and

• Do not patronise unlicensed food premises or food stalls.

Members of the public may visit the CHP's webpages for more information and preventive advice on Viral Gastroenteritis and norovirus infection.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Photo source: reference image