Consuming weight loss medicines that contain orlistat can lead to grave liver injuries, the Department of Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government cautioned on Thursday after the U. S. Food and Drug Administration's recommendation to consumers and health professionals.

In Hong Kong, there are three recorded products comprise of orlistat, as well as Xenical, Zerocal and Alli, the Department of Health of Hong Kong said.

The former two have 120 mg of orlistat and can be vended on a doctor's prescription and given out under a pharmacist's management, whilst Alli contains 60 mg of orlistat and can be vended under a pharmacist's direction.

The department recommended that people consuming these products should get in contact with their doctor right away if they develop liver problem symptoms, for example itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, loss of appetite or light-colored stools.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration recommended consumers and healthcare professionals of the possible risk on Wednesday. Changes in product labels are needed to mirror this rare happening.

FDA has been able to recognize 13 cases of rigorous liver injuries that were reported in citizens taking orlistat. Nonetheless, the underlying effect has not yet been recognized up until now.