Press Release

Warning on oral product containing undeclared Western drug ingredient

10 August 2012

The Department of Health (DH) today (August 10) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume an unregistered proprietary Chinese medicine (pCm) called "Xinhuang Pian", as it may contain undeclared Western drug that is dangerous to health.

The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) about a 15-year-old female patient. The DH commenced investigation immediately.

"The patient sought treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on July 2 because of blisters over oral cavity and palms, lip swelling and skin rash. Her skin condition deteriorated after admission and she was complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome. She was subsequently transferred to Queen Mary Hospital for further management. She described a history of use of the above pCm and other western medicines for her sore throat before admission. A drug-related adverse effect was suspected clinically. She is now in a stable condition.

"The HA's laboratory test on the pCm sample showed the presence of the undeclared Western medicine Indomethacin. Investigation thus far reveals that the patient’s mother purchased the pCm from mainland China. The pCm is not registered in Hong Kong. The DH investigation continues," a DH spokesman said.

"Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. The known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea and peptic ulcer," the spokesman added.

"People must stop taking this pCm immediately and consult healthcare professionals as soon as possible if they feel unwell or are in doubt after taking the product. Members of the public are urged not to buy or consume products of unknown composition or from doubtful sources," the spokesman urged.