Drug alert: Slim 3in1 contains undeclared drug ingredients.

The Department of Health urges people not to buy or take slimming product Slim 3in1 which contains undeclared drug ingredients phenolphthalein and sibutramine.

The department seized the product from a Sha Tin premises in a joint operation with Police against the online sale of slimming products containing undeclared drugs.

Phenolphthalein is used for treating constipation but has been banned for its cancer causing effect. Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant. Its side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, psychosis and convulsions. People with heart problems should not take it.

Products with sibutramine must be registered before it can be sold in Hong Kong and can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under a pharmacist's supervision.