The Department of Health has published a brochure containing information on 11 common Chinese medicines for distribution to practitioners and traders, after reviewing and analysing adverse events since January 2000.

Some 14,000 copies of the brochure, containing reference materials on characteristics, toxicity and precautions of the selected medicines, including Aristolochic acid-containing herbs, have been printed.

It can also be downloaded from the Chinese Medicine Council website or the Department of Health website.

Assistant Director Dr Chan Hon-yee said common causes for Chinese medicine-related adverse reactions are:

* improper use of Chinese medicines - overdoses due to self-prescription or prescription by Chinese medicine practitioners, or taking medicines inappropriate for the bodily state;

* erroneous substitution, such as erroneous replacement of Herba Solani Lyrati with Herba Aristolochiae Mollissimae which contains Aristolochic acid;

* quality defect, like adulteration of proprietary Chinese medicine with fenfluramine; and,

* Other reasons like allergy or intrinsic toxicity of Chinese medicine.

Dr Chan reminded consumers not to purchase or use Chinese medicines for a prolonged period without instruction from Chinese medicine practitioners, and to consult practitioners before taking the products.