Total recall: The Department of Health advises consumers not to buy and use a health product called Stretch-up Capsule that contains sildenafil.

The Department of Health advises consumers not to buy and use a health product called Stretch-up Capsule that contains sildenafil.

Sildenafil is a Western drug ingredient used for impotence. Medical practitioners must supervise its use as it could cause side effects such as serious hypertension among people with heart disease.

The supplier has been instructed to recall the product within seven days and surrender it to the department.

Consumers who have purchased the product are advised to stop using it, dispose of it or surrender it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours. A receipt will be issued.

Products containing Western medicine are pharmaceutical items and must be registered under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance before they are allowed for sale. This product has not been registered.

Importers, wholesalers and retailers are reminded that possession and sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence liable to a maximum penalty of $100,000 fine and two years' imprisonment. Retailers should remove the product from their shelves.

Consumers are also advised to call the department's hotline (2572 2068) if they have reason to suspect any products have been adulterated with Western drug ingredients.