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The Department of Health (DH) today (April 21) called on members of the public who had consulted a general practitioner in Tuen Mun for cold and cough to stop taking a transparent syrup (Terbutaline) for shortness of breath dispensed by the doctor and call the DH hotline 2125 1133 tomorrow.
The appeal was made after the department received notification today from Tuen Mun Hospital that a three-year-old girl sought medical consultation at the Accident and Emergency Department of the hospital on April 20 for burning sensation in the throat after taking the medicine issued by the private doctor. The girl was discharged after treatment.
Investigation revealed that the girl had consulted a private doctor, Dr Yeung Siu Man in Tuen Mun on April 20 for cough and runny nose. She developed the symptoms of burning sensation in the throat after taking the medicine dispensed by the doctor.
Test by the Toxicology Reference Laboratory of Princess Margaret Hospital today found the syrup medicine for shortness of breath contained Isopropyl alcohol instead.
DH's staff, including pharmacists and doctors, have visited Dr Yeung's clinic for investigation. It is believed that the drug concerned had been dispensed to a limited number of patients and efforts have been made to contact them.
A spokesman for DH said patients who had consulted the doctor concerned and are feeling unwell after taking the medication issued by him should seek medical consultation immediately.
They could also call the DH hotline on 2125 1133 from 10 am to 5 pm tomorrow for enquiry.
Investigation is on-going.
Ends/Saturday, April 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 23:50
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