The Department of Health warns people not to buy or consume slimming products containing undeclared drug ingredients with potentially serious side effects.

A 19-year-old woman developed symptoms of psychosis after taking three unknown slimming products. She was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on March 15 and was discharged on April 14.

Health alert: The Department of Health warns people not to buy or consume slimming products containing undeclared drug ingredients with potentially serious side effects.
The products were capsules and were in pink, brown and white colours. Their names and sources are under investigation.   Tests showed the products containing undeclared western drug ingredients of phenolphthalein, sibutramine and thyroid hormones.   Phenolphthalein has been banned for causing cancer. Sibutramine can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate. Thyroid hormones can cause tremors, palpitations, excessive sweating, insomnia, headache and arrhythmias.   People using the products should stop taking them and see a doctor if they feel unwell.