DH urges public not to buy or use topical products with undeclared controlled ingredients (with photo)

     The Department of Health (DH) today (May 18) appealed to the public not to buy or use two topical products named Zangyao Xuanduwang and Qi Du Zang Wang Gao as they were found to contain undeclared controlled drug ingredients.
 
     Acting upon a public complaint, the DH purchased samples of the above two products for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the product samples contained undeclared Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (PPO) (Cap 138):
 

 
     A joint operation with the Police was conducted against a retail stall in Sau Mau Ping today. During the operation, a 65-year-old man was arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
 
     The DH's investigation is continuing.  
 
     Clobetasol propionate is a steroid substance for treating inflammation. Inappropriate or excessive application of steroids could cause skin problems and body-wide side effects like moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Products containing clobetasol propionate should be used under a doctor's directions and be supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Miconazole and ketoconazole are used for the treatment of fungal infections with side effects including local irritation and sensitivity reactions.
      
     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. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.      
 
     The public should not buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. 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 using them and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They can submit the products to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.