Residents have been warned to steer well clear of two types of slimming pills which may cause harmful side effects.
According to a Health Bureau spokesman, the pills – called in Chinese “温燃燒” (“warm burn”) and “消水丸” (“antihydropic pills”) – contain sibutramine and furosemide respectively.
According to the packaging, the product “消水丸” was manufactured in Japan. The packaging of “温燃燒” does not indicate where the product was manufactured, The Macau Post Daily reported.
According to the spokesman, sibutramine can suppress the appetite, and taking this product may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The spokesman also noted that furosemide is a loop diuretic with commonly seen side effects such as dry mouth, increased thirst, nausea, light-headedness and migraines as well as irregular or increased heartbeat.
The spokesman said that anyone who purchased the pills should stop using them.