The Department of Health urges consumers avoid taking Chinese medicines without medical advice. The warning comes amid an investigation into a case of liver failure after a woman took a proprietary Chinese slimming medicine.

The department is seeking information from the Hospital Authority and the Consumer Council on the case.

It advises people to consult a Chinese medicine practitioner before taking Chinese medicines, as a study found the misuse of these products, including self-medication, was the most important contributor to adverse events from them.

To promote proper use, briefing sessions will be held in September and October for practitioners and dispensers on the proper procedures for handling Chinese medicines.

Doctors and Chinese medicine practitioners should report any suspected adverse events related to Chinese medicines via the notification system.