Sale Of Unregistered Product: NCHK Pil Zhi Ke

The public is advised to avoid buying and using a traditional product, ‘NCHK Pil Zhi Ke’ with registration number MAL06030949T, which is traditionally used for relieving cough and reducing phlegm. The product registration holder and the manufacturer for ‘NCHK Pil Zhi Ke’ is TJ-TYT Pharmaceuticals (M) Sdn. Bhd, Perak.

The product registration for ‘NCHK Pil Zhi Ke’ has been cancelled by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) at its 233rd meeting on 28th October 2010 following the detection of scheduled poison, dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant and it is not allowed to be formulated in a product which is classified as a traditional product.

Use of dextromethorphan is not recommended in patients at risk of developing respiratory failure such as asthma, patients with impaired liver function, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children below the age of 2 years old.  The usage of dextromethorphan without proper diagnosis and monitoring by the doctor/ health professionals can cause adverse events such as dizziness, severe allergic reactions (e.g. rash, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) and gastrointestinal disturbances. Hence, this product can cause detrimental effects to consumers who are at high risk of getting these adverse events.

The public is advised to stop using it and they can seek further advice from healthcare professionals, if needed.

Anyone who is in possession of this product is advised to immediately cease selling, distributing or using it. Sellers are reminded that possession for sale of this product is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. Any individual who commits an offence under these regulations can be fined up to a maximum of RM25,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding 3 years or both for the first offence, and for a subsequent offence, a fine up to a maximum of RM50,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding 5 years or both. A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to a maximum of RM100,000 for a subsequent offence.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Hj Mohd Ismail Merican
Director General of Health Malaysia
As DCA Chairman
Ministry of Health Malaysia