Chinese medicine practitioner investigated

May 31, 2013

A registered Chinese medicine practitioner is under investigation for suspected illegal possession of a Part I poison.  
 
The Department of Health today announced its investigative action on Tsui Wai-ah, practising at 48 Hau Tei Square in Tsuen Wan.
 
A 42-year-old man had earlier sought medical treatment from the practitioner for a sprained wrist and was given some pills. He was later admitted to hospital for elevated liver enzymes.
 
Laboratory tests showed the presence of a Part I poison, Indomethacin, in the pills he had taken. The patient has been discharged from the hospital.
 
Indomethacin, used for relief of pain and inflammation, requires a doctor's prescription. Its known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea, peptic ulcer and renal impairment.
 
The department has not received any report of related adverse incidents so far. It urges the public to stop using medicines given by the practitioner at the above premises.