The Department of Health (DH) today (August 7) conducted an operation against the sale of a virility product, namely HE-MINT, which was found to contain an undeclared controlled drug ingredient. During the operation, two women aged 22 and 40 were arrested by the Police for suspected illegal possession, while one of them was also arrested for suspected illegal sale, of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Acting upon intelligence, the DH purchased a sample of the above product from a retail shop in Tsuen Wan for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained tadalafil, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). The product is also suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Tadalafil is used for treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under the advice of a doctor. Side effects of tadalafil include low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of tadalafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
According to the Ordinance, 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 or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources. Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the above product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
The public may visit the webpage of the DH's Drug Office's page for the health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products and information on virility products found to contain undeclared Western medicines.
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