The Department of Health on Wednesday (Oct. 30) cautioned Hong Kongers to avoid purchasing or eating an instant coffee mix sold in Hong Kong that contains sildenafil, the prescription drug used in Viagra.
Firstwell Tongkat Ali Premix Coffee was found to contain an “undeclared controlled drug ingredient” following testing by the government. Sildenafil is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), not registered as a pharmaceutical product in the city.
According to a government report, sildenafil, typically sold under the popular brand name Viagra, can only be supplied at a pharmacy using a doctor’s prescription. Side effects include “low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and transient vision disturbances.”
A spokesman for the Department of Health says, “All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of ‘HK-XXXXX.’ The safety, quality, and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption.”
