Press Release

Public urged not to consume a proprietary Chinese medicine adulterated with undeclared western medicine

6 Jul 2009

The Department of Health (DH) today (July 6) called on members of the public not to buy or use a proprietary Chinese medicine named "Kam Yuen Brand Xue Guan Qing Dao Fu Tablet" which was found to have adulterated with western medicine, sildenafil that may cause serious side effect.

A spokesman for the Department said that sample of the product was obtained from the retailer during market surveillance conducted recently.

Laboratory tests on the product showed the presence of sildenafil.

The side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure of patients to dangerous levels.

The importer, Kam Yuen Medicine Company, was instructed to immediately recall the product from the market.

The importer has set up a hotline 3427 3918 to answer public enquiries. DH will monitor the recall. Investigation by DH continues.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, products containing sildenafil must be registered before sale and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under supervision of a pharmacist.

Sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence liable to the maximum penalties of a $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment.

Members of the public who have bought the product are advised not to take it. They are urged to seek advice from their doctors if feeling unwell after consuming the product.

They should destroy and dispose of the products or submit them to the Department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office hours. If they have enquiries, there is a hotline no. 2572 2068 which operates during office hours.