Suspicious cream examined

May 22, 2012

The Department of Health is investigating the prescribing of a cream containing two undeclared Western medicines, dexamethasone and ketoconazole.
 
The cream was prescribed by Chinese medicine practitioner Yu Kin-cho at Cheung Po Tong Chinese Medicine Clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui.
 
He bought the cream on the Mainland to treat skin conditions, such as eczema.
 
Dexamethasone is a steroid and a prescription-only medicine. Taking dexamethasone for a long time, especially when in substantial dosage, can cause side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, peptic ulcers and even osteoporosis.
 
Ketoconazole is a topical antifungal medicine commonly used for fungal skin infections. It can cause side effects like itching, irritation and allergic reaction.
 
The department said if clients of Mr Yu have been supplied with a yellowish cream, they should contact Mr Yu or consult healthcare professionals for advice.
 
Forty tubes of the cream have been seized from the clinic for further investigation.