Slim

Foreign Product Alert
2006-125
Decmber 11, 2006
For immediate release

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the following product specified below due to concerns about possible side-effects. More info

Date of alert: Decmber 11, 2006
Source of Alert: Hong Kong Department of Health
Product Name: Slim

Manufacturer / Place of Origin
Shenzhen Fuyakang Biotechnology Incorporated / China

Product Description
Slim is marketed as a weight-loss product. The white- coloured capsules come in blister packs, which are packaged in a white and red box.

Reason for Warning
On October 20, 2006, the Hong Kong Department of Health advised the public not to use this weight-loss product because it is adulterated with sibutramine, which is a prescription medication used to suppress appetite. Sibutramine should only be taken under the guidance of a health care professional.

Possible Side Effects
Use of sibutramine may cause serious side-effects, including vision problems and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Sibutramine should not be taken with medications that can affect the level of serotonin in the brain, such as antidepressants.

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Media Inquiries:
Alastair Sinclair
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803

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This product is not authorized for sale in Canada and has not been found in the Canadian marketplace. However, it is possible this product could be purchased by Canadians travelling abroad or has been brought into Canada through personal importation by travellers or purchased over the Internet.

Canadians who have this product are advised not to use it, and should consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of this product.

Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Health Canada advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find any of the products listed above in the Canadian marketplace.

For more information about the information contained in this advisory, please contact Health Canada's public inquiries line at (613) 957-2991 or toll-free at 1-866-225-0709.

As of the date of this posting, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of this product have been reported in Canada.