Health Canada Warns Consumers Not to Use the Unauthorized Product "RevolutionDS Weight Loss"

Warning
2009-211
December 24, 2009
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use "RevolutionDS Weight Loss", an unauthorized health product promoted for weight loss, because it contains benzylpiperazine (BZP), and may pose serious health risks.

Currently, BZP has no known therapeutic use. While BZP is frequently claimed to be a "natural" substance, it is a synthetic substance. It may cause effects such as increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, increased euphoria, alertness and paranoia. Health Canada is currently assessing whether BZP should be added to one of the schedules to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Such a decision would mean that all activities with BZP, e.g. possession, importation, exportation, distribution, production, etc., would be illegal unless authorized by regulation.

The recommended doses on the labels of the products (1-2 capsules) and recommended maximum daily dose on the labels of the products (4 capsules) will expose consumers to levels of BZP that have been associated with serious and life-threatening health consequences, including a Canadian report of cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal electrical activity of the heart) that was reported associated with the use of "RevolutionDS Weight Loss". BZP could also negatively interact with other substances, such as alcohol and prescription drugs. Scientific data also indicates that BZP has abuse potential because of its amphetamine-like effects.

"RevolutionDS Weight Loss" is distributed by http://revolutionds.com/. The listed contact on the website for the product has not been forthcoming in providing all required information to effectively recall the unauthorized product.  Canadians who have used "RevolutionDS Weight Loss" and are concerned about their health should consult a health care practitioner.

The labels are depicted in the pictures shown below.

Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Drug Identification Number for Homeopathic Medicine (DIN-HM) on the label.

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

You can report any adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following three ways:

• Report online at the MedEffect™ Canada section of the Health Canada website
• Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
• Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and either:

• Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789
• Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program
  Health Canada
  AL 0701D
  Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9

To have postage pre-paid, download the postage paid label from the MedEffect™ Canada section of the Health Canada website. The Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines may also be obtained via this section.

Some of the graphical elements in this Warning might be subject to copyrights, trade-mark or other protection held by other organizations. Some restrictions on the reproduction of materials or graphical elements may apply and it may be necessary to seek permission from the rights holder prior to reproducing such material.

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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(613) 773-6600

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