The Department of Health will replace Purinol, the drug allopurinol produced by Europharm Laboratories, for patients at its out-patient services from Monday.

Today's announcement came after Purinol was suspended for suspected fungal contamination which may cause mucormycosis, a fungal infection.

Allopurinol is a drug commonly used to treat hyperuricemia and chronic gout.

Department clinic patients who had been prescribed Purinol can visit chest clinics, Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre, elderly health centres, family clinics or the Ngau Tau Kok Education & Training Centre in Family Medicine during opening hours starting on Monday to get allopurinol from other manufacturers.

For enquiries, call the hotline 2125 1122.