The Department of Health (DH) today (June 6) appealed to members of the public not to buy a product named "GS Dr. Joints" as it was found to be adulterated with controlled drug ingredients.
During DH's market surveillance, a sample of "GS Dr. Joints" was collected for analysis. Today, test results from the Government Laboratory showed that the product contains undeclared controlled drug ingredients ibuprofen and diclofenac. However, the product has not been registered as a pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong.
Ibuprofen and diclofenac are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve pain and inflammation. Their known side-effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcers and renal impairment.
Both ibuprofen and diclofenac are Part I poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138) (the Ordinance). Part I poisons can only be supplied at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. In addition, products containing diclofenac can only be sold upon the production of doctor¡¦s prescription. According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) before they can be sold legally in the market.Illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
A DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to 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". Unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy could not be guaranteed.
The spokesman urged people who have purchased the above product to stop using it immediately and consult health-care professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They should submit it to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
During DH's market surveillance, a sample of "GS Dr. Joints" was collected for analysis. Today, test results from the Government Laboratory showed that the product contains undeclared controlled drug ingredients ibuprofen and diclofenac. However, the product has not been registered as a pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong.
Ibuprofen and diclofenac are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve pain and inflammation. Their known side-effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcers and renal impairment.
Both ibuprofen and diclofenac are Part I poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138) (the Ordinance). Part I poisons can only be supplied at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. In addition, products containing diclofenac can only be sold upon the production of doctor¡¦s prescription. According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) before they can be sold legally in the market.Illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
A DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to 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". Unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy could not be guaranteed.
The spokesman urged people who have purchased the above product to stop using it immediately and consult health-care professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell. They should submit it to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
