Alert issued on slimming product

October 24, 2011

The Department of Health is investigating a case of heart failure involving a 48-year-old woman who had a history of consuming a slimming product.
 
The woman went to Kwong Wah Hospital's Accident & Emergency Department when she developed shortness of breath and ankle swelling on October 14. She was admitted the same day after diagnosis of heart failure.
 
The patient had been taking SlimEasy Herbs Capsule, purchased from an unknown source in the Mainland, for about two years. Laboratory testing on the product remnant showed it contained banned drug ingredients, sibutramine and phenolphthalein.
 
The Department is investigating whether the patient's symptoms were related to consuming the product. The patient's condition improved and she was discharged on October 19.
 
People should stop using SilmEasy Herbs Capsule immediately and should consult healthcare professionals if they feel unwell.