A Health Bureau (SSM) statement warned consumers yesterday not to take an appetite suppressant sold under the commercial name “Leisure Slimming Capsule”, which contains the Western medicine ingredient Sibutramine, as it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The SSM statement referred to information provided by the Hong Kong Department of Health.
The statement pointed out that the Health Bureau has neither approved the import of the remedy nor its sale locally, as it has banned all medicines containing Sibutramine.
According to Wikipedia, Sibutramine, formerly sold under the brand name Meridia among others, is an appetite suppressant which has been discontinued in many countries. Until 2010, it was widely marketed and prescribed as an adjunct in the treatment of obesity along with diet and exercise. It has been associated with increased cardiovascular events and strokes and has been withdrawn from the market in many countries such as mainland China, Hong Kong, the UK and US, as well as the EU. However, the drug remains available in some countries. Sibutramine was originally developed in 1988 by Boots, the UK pharmacy chain.
In order to protect public health, apart from paying close attention to the possible sale of the product in the local market, the Health Bureau also urged residents not to buy or stop using the “Leisure Slimming Capsule” product. Residents who have purchased the product should immediately stop taking them and take them to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Department of the Health Bureau at 51, Avenida de Sidónio Pais, 2/F, China Plaza. For enquiries, please call 859 834 53 during office hours.
This undated handout photo provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows the “Leisure Slimming Capsule” product flagged by the bureau due to its health risks.
