MACAO - Macao's Health Bureau issued a warning Monday urging consumers to refrain from using a slimming remedy produced by a mainland pharmaceutical plant.

The product, under the brand name of Slim, was verified to contain sibutramine, a drug ingredient that may cause side effects as blood pressure increase and heart rate rise, according to the warning.

The warning advised the consumers who have been taking the drug to discontinue its use at once.

It also stated that the product was not officially registered in Macao.