Health warning: Qiangli Zhuanggutongbiling contains undeclared Western drug ingredients that can cause side effects.

The Department of Health warns consumers to avoid health product Qiangli Zhuanggutongbiling which has undeclared Western drug ingredients that can cause side effects.

A 16-year-old girl had stomach problems after taking the product for her joint pain and stiffness. Her stomach pain disappeared after she stopped taking the product purchased on the Mainland. It contains western drug ingredients prednisone acetate, cortisone acetate, piroxicam and diclofenac.

Prednisone acetate and cortisone acetate are steroids used to suppress inflammation and treat joint pain. Taking them orally for a long time can cause high blood pressure, high blood sugar and peptic ulcers. Piroxicam and diclofenac are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for joint pain. Their known side effects include gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea and bleeding.

All these drugs should only be used under medical supervision. They are classified as third-schedule poisons under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and under a pharmacist's supervision.

The department has no record of it being imported into Hong Kong for sale, or having been submitted for registration. People who have been using it are advised to dispose of it and seek medical advice.