HOLIDAY HEALTH: The HPA encouraged the public to remember to maintain their exercise routines, citing a 2016 poll that found less than half the respondents did so

Taipei Times
Date: Feb 17, 2018
By: Lee I-chia  /  Staff reporter

The Taipei City Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Welfare have given several tips for staying healthy during the Lunar New Year’s holiday.

Taipei City Hospital pharmacist Li Chia-hsin (黎嘉欣) said many people like to travel to Japan and bring back various over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, but they should remember that “drugs are not general merchandise and should not be purchased as souvenirs, or given to friends and family as presents.”

Some drugs sold in other nations have not been approved in Taiwan and the lack of labels in Chinese can increase the risk of misuse, so people should not purchase them if they are uncertain, and carefully read the package insert before taking them, she said.

However, people should be aware that they cannot apply for drug injury relief if they suffer negative health effects from misuse or overdose of unapproved drugs bought in other nations, Li added.    [FULL  STORY]