The Department of Health is concerned about the misuse of the antiviral drug, "Tamiflu", a prescription-only drug to treat influenza, as it has been found on sale over the counter in some local pharmacists.

Tamiflu is a drug in the Third Schedule of the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulation and it must be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist.

It is currently one of the few drugs effective for treating influenza. The misuse of it could cause drug resistance.

The department will step up inspections at drug stores and take appropriate action in case of malpractice.

It has issued a letter to all authorised sellers of Tamiflu and the traders' association concerned to remind them to observe the relevant legislation strictly.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulation, no person shall sell any drugs included in the Third Schedule except on and in accordance with a prescription given by a registered medical practitioner, registered dental practitioner or registered veterinary surgeon.

Anyone who is found guilty of an offence under the ordinance will be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

The department reminded people that prescription-only drugs should be used only under medical supervision.

People are urged to report any malpractice among drug stores to the department's Pharmaceutical Service on 2572 2068 during office hours.