June 18, 2013

The Department of Health today urged people not to buy or consume Wei C Yin Qiao Pian, as it may contain dangerous drug ingredients.
 
The Hospital Authority informed the department that a 41-year-old woman was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital in October with rhabdomyolysis and hypokalemia. Her blood potassium level was found to be low.
 
She recently told her doctor she had consumed the product.
 
Laboratory tests on it found the presence of two undeclared and banned Western medicines, phenacetin and aminophenazone. However, the ingredients listed on the bottle, including vitamin C, paracetamol and chlorpheniramine maleate, were not detected.
 
The product was bought from the Mainland by the patient.
 
Phenacetin and aminophenazone were used previously as painkillers but were banned in Hong Kong due to their severe side effects.
 
People who have bought the product should stop using it immediately, and consult doctors if feeling unwell.