Drug alert: Lanmei Keili Ji contains Western drug ingredient gliclazide that can cause side effects.

The Department of Health warns consumers to avoid herbal product Lanmei Keili Ji, which contains Western drug ingredient gliclazide that can cause side effects.

Gliclazide is used for the management of diabetes and should only be used under medical supervision. It can lead to hypoglycaemia if used by a person without diabetes. Known side effects include nausea and gastro-intestinal upset.

Products containing gliclazide are third-schedule poisons under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance, which can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and a pharmacist's supervision.

Baby hospitalised

A 35-day-old boy who had taken the product was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital last month after suffering a hypoglycaemic attack, due to low blood sugar. He has recovered and has been discharged from hospital.

The product was obtained on the Mainland by the baby's parents to treat his brother's cough. The department has no record of the product being imported to Hong Kong for sale, or submitted for registration.

As a precautionary measure, people who have been using the product should stop immediately and consult a doctor if they feel unwell. They should dispose of the medicine.