Health Canada is advising Canadian farmers about missing dosage information on some Selenium-E veterinary drug packages

Advisory
2006-88
September 7, 2006
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising animal owners that some bottles of the veterinary drug Selenium-E may have been sold without the proper dosage information. Without this information, an incorrect dosage of the drug may be administered, which could result in adverse drug reactions or even death of treated animals.

Selenium-E is used to treat white muscle disease (muscular dystrophy) in calves and lambs. The drug is sold without a prescription and therefore may be used without veterinary consultation. Although Selenium overdoses can be toxic for the treated animal, Health Canada's evaluation has shown that consumption of meat products containing traces of the drug are unlikely to result in any adverse health effects in humans. Since this product is intended to be used in young animals (calves and lambs), any remaining residue would be minimal by the time the treated animals enter the food chain.

The Canadian manufacturer of the drug, Vétoquinol N.-A. Inc., has corrected the problem on any new drug product sold. However, bottles without the correct information may have been sold or may remain on store shelves.

If you have purchased this product in a bottle without dosage information, it should be immediately returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact the Health Canada public inquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

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Media Inquiries:
Paul Duchesne
Health Canada
(613) 954-4807

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709