The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) warned in a statement yesterday against using four Chinese ointments adulterated with Western drug ingredients non-compliant with local regulations and also result in certain side effects.
According to the statement, the four topical ointments, identified by the bureau as “Zangyao Xuanduang,” “King Poison to Itch Antibacterial Cream,” “Lang Du Wang” and “Zhong Hua Zhen Jun Wang”, have been found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients, including clobetasol propionate, ketoconazole, and miconazole.
The statement pointed out that “clobetasol propionate” is a steroid medication used to treat inflammation and must be used under medical supervision. Potential side effects include: moon face*, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, skin thinning, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis, while “ketoconazole” and “miconazole” are antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections. Possible side effects include localised skin irritation and allergic reactions.
According to the statement, the bureau did not approve the import or sale of the four products in the local market. To safeguard public health, the bureau said it will closely monitor the circulation of these products and urges residents not to purchase or use them, the statement said.
*A moon face refers to a round, puffy, or swollen facial appearance, often caused by the accumulation of fat or fluid in the face. – DeepSeek
This handout photo provided by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) yesterday shows the four Chinese ointments adulterated with Western drug ingredients.
