Health alert: The Department of Health warns consumers not to buy slimming product Slim as it contains Western drug ingredient sibutramine.

The Department of Health warns consumers not to buy slimming product Slim as it contains Western drug ingredient sibutramine.

It is an appetite suppressant that can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate. People with heart diseases should not take it.

The department obtained a sample of the product for investigation after receiving a report about a patient who was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on September 12 for heart failure after using it. The patient has recovered.

The product was bought on the Mainland, and is not registered in Hong Kong.

People who have been using it should immediately stop taking it, seek medical attention if they feel unwell, and dispose of the product.