The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) announced in a statement on Friday that Hong Kong’s Department of Health has warned of a topical product named “Dermasa” adulterated with Western pharmaceutical ingredients, namely lidocaine, tetracaine and prilocaine.
The statement noted that lidocaine, tetracaine and prilocaine are local anaesthetics commonly used topically to relieve localised pain. However, they can cause skin allergic reactions, and topical products containing these ingredients are classified as prescription-only medicines.
The bureau has not approved the importation of “Dermasa” into the local market, the statement said, adding that it will closely monitor the circulation of this product in Macau and strongly urges residents not to purchase or use it in order to safeguard public health.
The statement urged residents who have already purchased the product to stop using it immediately and to surrender it to the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau. Members of the public with questions may contact the ISAF Surveillance Department on 8598 3233 during office hours.
This handout photo provided by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) on Friday shows the topical product ‘Dermasa’ adulterated with Western drug ingredients.
