Press Release

Public urged not to consume slimming products with undeclared drug ingredient

1 Apr 2010

Members of the public are urged not to buy or consume three slimming products called "LiPO-4 Cap", "LiPO-8 Cap" and "Glucomi 600 Cap" respectively as they were found to contain an undeclared western drug ingredient that may cause serious side effects.

The products were found to be offered for sale on internet website during an investigation into a public enquiry.

Laboratory results of the samples showed the presence of sibutramine in the products.

A department spokesman said the products were not registered pharmaceutical products nor registered proprietary Chinese medicines in Hong Kong.

The spokesman said sibutramine is a western medicine used as an appetite suppressant. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, psychosis and possibly convulsion. People with heart problems should not take it.

A product containing sibutramine must be registered before it can be sold in Hong Kong. It can be sold only on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.

The spokesman reminded members of the public not to buy or sell products of unknown or doubtful composition.

He said sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products was an offence under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

People should stop using the products immediately. They should consult a doctor if they feel unwell after taking the products.

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.

"Weight control should be achieved through good diet and appropriate exercise. People should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control," the spokesman said.