Health alert: Consumers should avoid Khun-Phra, which can cause side effects.

The Department of Health warns consumers not to buy or use a herbal product called Khun-Phra, which contains six Western drug ingredients that can cause side effects.

The department investigated the product after receiving a Hospital Authority report about a 75-year-old woman who complained of facial puffiness and weight gain after using it. Her symptoms subsided after she stopped using the product.

It contains dexamethasone, prednisolone, phenylbutazone, mebhydrolin, cyproheptadine and diazepam, ingredients that can cause high blood pressure and diabetes.

Products containing all these ingredients must be registered before sale. Products containing dexamethasone, prednisolone and phenylbutazone are 3rd Schedule poisons under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance and products containing Diazepam are listed under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. They should only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.

People who have been using the product should immediately stop and seek medical advice.