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Foreign Product Alerts 2008

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the following products listed in the table below due to concerns about possible side-effects.

These products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace. However, it is possible these products could be purchased by Canadians travelling abroad or have been brought into Canada through personal importation by travellers or purchased over the Internet.

Canadians who have these products are advised not to use them, and should consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of these products. More info

November

October

  • Powertabs [2008-10-17]
    Swissmedic warned consumers not to buy or use the product Powertabs because it was found to contain an unauthorised substance with a structure similar to sildenafil.

    Sildenafil is a prescription drug used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
  • Sweet Energizer Vitality Candy [2008-10-17]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned consumers not to buy or use the product Sweet Energizer Vitality Candy because it was found to contain an unauthorised substance with a structure similar to tadalafil (aminotadalafil).
    Tadalafil is a prescription drug used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

September

  • ARMA - Sin Gang San and New ARMA - Sin Gang San [2008-09-19]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of ARMA - Sin Gang San and New ARMA - Sin Gang San because they were found to contain the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients sibutramine and fenfluramine.
    Sibutramine is a prescription drug used in the treatment of obesity and it should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Fenfluramine was previously used in the treatment of obesity but is currently prohibited for sale in Canada because of its association with heart valve disease.
  • Liquimax Complete Nutrition Multivitamin Formula [2008-09-19]
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration alerted consumers to a voluntary recall of 32-ounce plastic bottles of Liquimax Complete Nutrition Multivitamin Formula (UPC codes 7497052290, 7497023607 or 7497023696) because the product may contain undeclared fish (not shellfish), tree nuts (almonds, pecans, and/or walnuts), and wheat. People with sensitivities to fish, tree nuts and/or wheat may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
  • Hanguo shoushen yihao (meiti xing) [2008-09-19]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of Hanguo shoushen yihao (meiti xing) because it was found to contain the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient sibutramine.
    Sibutramine is a prescription drug used in the treatment of obesity and it should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Dr. Life and Chong Cao Ju Wang [2008-09-19]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned consumers not to buy or use Dr. Life or Chong Cao Ju Wang because they were found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. Dr. Life was found to contain an unauthorised substance with a structure similar to tadalafil (aminotadalafil) while Chong Cao Ju Wang was found to contain sildenafil.
    Tadalafil and sildenafil are prescription drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
  • Rose 4 Her [2008-09-19]
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned against the use of Rose 4 Her capsules because the product was found to contain thiomethisosildenafil, a compound similar in structure to sildenafil. The product has been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer in the U.S.
    Sildenafil is a prescription drug used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Lover Liquid Nutriment Herbal Supplement and Onyo [2008-09-19]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned consumers not to buy or use Lover Liquid Nutriment Herbal Supplement and Onyo because they were found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. Lover Liquid Nutriment Herbal Supplement was found to contain sildenafil while Onyo was found to contain sildenafil, as well as unapproved substances with structures similar to sildenafil (acetildenafil) and vardenafil (pseudovardenafil).
    Sildenafil and vardenafil are prescription drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.

August

  • Natural (Xin Yi Dai) and Lasmi [2008-08-22]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of Natural (Xin Yi Dai) and Lasmi because Natural (Xin Yi Dai) was found to contain sibutramine and phenolphthalein, and Lasmi was found to contain sibutramine and spironolactone.
    Sibutramine is used in the treatment of obesity and spironolactone is used in the treatment of fluid retention. Both are prescription drugs that should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
    Phenolphthalein was previously used in over-the-counter laxative preparations but is currently prohibited in Canada as it may cause cancer. Individuals who may have been exposed to phenolphthalein should consult with their health care professional.
  • AA Qu Feng Shu Jin Wan [2008-08-22]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of AA Qu Feng Shu Jin Wan because it was found to contain the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient dexamethasone.
    Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory prescription drug and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Energy II, Apisate, Obat Asam Urat and Asam Urat [2008-08-22]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health has warned against the use of these four products because they were found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.
    Apisate contained fenfluramine and Energy ll contained sibutramine. Obat Asam Urat and Asam Urat both contained dexamethasone, phenylbutazone and piroxicam.
    The sale of fenfluramine is currently prohibited in Canada because of fenfluramine's association with heart valve disease. Phenylbutazone is no longer manufactured for human use in Canada. Sibutramine, dexamethasone and piroxicam are all prescription drugs and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Slim 3in1 (Xiao Nan zhi Bao) [2008-08-22]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of Slim 3in1 (Xiao Nan zhi Bao) because it was found to contain the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients sibutramine and phenolphthalein.
    Sibutramine is a prescription drug used in the treatment of obesity and it should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional. Phenolphthalein is currently prohibited in Canada as it may cause cancer.
  • Soloslim [2008-08-18]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of Soloslim because it was found to contain an undeclared substance similar in structure to the prescription drug sibutramine. It also contains the prescription drug L-carnitine, as well as synephrine, which is not authorized for sale in weight loss products in Canada.
  • More Slim [2008-08-18]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of More Slim because it was found to contain the undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient sibutramine.
    Sibutramine is a prescription drug used in the treatment of obesity and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Karntien, Karntien Easy to Slim, Armstrong Natural Herbal Supplement, Enhanix New Extra Men's Formula, Power 58 Extra and Platinum Power 58 Extra [2008-08-18]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health has warned against the use of these six products after they were found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.
    Karntien and Karntien Easy to Slim were adulterated with sibutramine and a compound that is similar in structure to sibutramine (N-desmethylsibutramine).
    Armstrong Natural Herbal Supplement, Enhanix New Extra Men's Formula, Power 58 Extra, and Platinum Power 58 Extra were adulterated with tadalafil or unapproved substances with structures similar to tadalafil and vardenafil.
    Sibutramine is a prescription drug used in the treatment of obesity. Tadalafil and vardenafil are prescription drugs used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Dan Bai Shou Shen Su [2008-08-18]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health warned against the use of Dan Bai Shou Shen Su because it was found to contain undeclared thyroid hormones and sibutramine.
  • Xiadafil VIP Tabs [2008-08-11]
    At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. federal authorities seized all Xiadafil VIP Tabs sold in 8 tablet bottles (Lot #6K029) and blister cards of 2 tablets (Lot #6K029-SEI) because they were found to contain an undeclared ingredient similar to the prescription drug sildenafil. Sildenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Oyster Extract Caps [2008-08-11]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health has recalled Oyster Extract Caps because they were found to contain an undeclared ingredient similar to the prescription drug sildenafil. Sildenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Herb Vigour, Natural Vigour ou China Vigour [2008-08-11]
    The Netherlands Health Care Inspectorate, the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, and the Danish Medicines Agency has warned against the use of Herb Vigour, Natural Vigour and China Vigour because they were found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction that should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.

July

  • Therma Power (red and blue varieties); Grenade Fat Burner [2008-07-24]
    The U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned consumers not to use the ephedrine-containing products Therma Power (red variety) and Grenade Fat Burner after the products were associated with serious adverse reactions. The MHRA also warned consumers to not use the ephedrine-free Therma Power (blue variety) because it contains synephrine and caffeine, a combination that has been associated with cardiovascular adverse reactions.
  • Viril-Ity-Power (VIP) Tabs [2008-07-24]
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers not to use Viril-Ity-Power (VIP) Tabs because it was found to contain an undeclared ingredient similar to the prescription drug sildenafil. The product has been recalled by the manufacturer in the U.S.
    Sildenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Wodibo [2008-07-24]
    Wodibo is promoted as an all-natural Chinese potency-enhancing product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The Danish Medicines Agency has warned against the use of Wodibo because it was found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, prescription drugs authorized for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Both of these medications should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Super Shangai Strong Testis, Shangai Ultra, Shangai Ultra X, Lady Shangai, Shangai Regular (also known as Shangai Chaojimengnan), Actra-Sx, An unknown product containing the plant Lycium barbarum L., Adam Free, NaturalUp, Erextra, Yilishen, Blue Steel, Hero, Naturalë Super Plus [2008-07-07]
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a news release warning consumers not to use the products listed above, because they were all found to contain sildenafil or an unapproved substance with a structure similar to sildenafil.
    Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be taken under the guidance of a health professional.

June

  • Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream [2008-06-30]
    Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream is promoted as an all-natural product to help soothe and heal dry or cracked nipples. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that the product contains the preservatives chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol, which could cause serious side-effects, including difficulty breathing and dehydration, if ingested by nursing infants.
  • 3rd Generation In Homoeopathy Arthrit Indica Tablet [2008-06-30]
    The product is labelled for "intense joint pain." The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore has warned consumers not to use the product because it contains nimesulide, a pharmaceutical ingredient that has been associated with liver damage.
  • Zhong Hua Niu Bian [2008-06-24]
    Zhong Hua Niu Bian is an herbal/proprietary Chinese medicine product promoted for erectile dysfunction. Singapore's Health Sciences Authority has warned against the use of this product because it has been found to contain sildenafil, glibenclamide, tadalafil and sibutramine, prescription medications that should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional
  • Nangen Zengzhangsu (may also be known as Nangen or Nangeng), Sanbianwan, Jiu Bian Wang, Tian Huang Gu Shen Dan, Zui Xian Dan Gong Shi Zi, and Power Up [2008-06-24]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health has warned consumers not to use these herbal/proprietary Chinese medicine products promoted for erectile dysfunction because they have been found to contain sildenafil and/or glibenclamide.
    Sildenafil is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Glibenclamide is a prescription medication used in the treatment of diabetes. Both medications should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.

May

  • Total Body Formula(Tropical Orange flavour and Peach Nectar flavour)  Total Body Mega Formula (Orange/Tangerine flavour) [2008-05-30]
    The US Food and Drug Administration advised consumers not to use the products Total Body Formula in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavours, and Total Body Mega Formula in Orange/Tangerine flavour, because they contain high doses of selenium and chromium.
    These products were recalled in the United States following reports of serious adverse reactions.
  • Vpxl No1 Dietary Supplement for Men [2008-05-05]
    The Danish Medicines Agency advised consumers not to use the product Vpxl No1
    Dietary Supplement for Men
    because it was found to contain tadalafil.
    Tadalafil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction that
    should only be taken under the guidance of a health professional.

April

  • Tian Sheng Yi Bao [2008-04-30]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health advised the public not to use the product Tian Sheng Yi Bao because it was found to contain two pharmaceutical products, glibenclamide and phenformin, which are not meant for self-care and could be associated with serious side-effects.
    Glibenclamide is used in the treatment of diabetes and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional. Phenformin is an unauthorized
    drug that was banned in Canada in 1977 due to its association with fatal
    lactic acidosis.
  • Qili Brand Tongbianling Jiaonang; Sincere Brand ChuanXinLian Jiaonang; Xiangyao Brand Xiangyao Weian Jiaonang; Biflora Brand Fufang Danshen Pian (film-coated); Biflora Brand 306 Xiaoyan Jiedu capsules; and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan [2008-04-30]
    The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore advised the public not to use these
    products because they were found to contain potentially toxic levels of arsenic and/or mercury.
    Consumption of excessive amounts of heavy metals, such as arsenic and mercury, poses serious health risks because they may accumulate in vital organs of the body. Children are most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals.
  • Xian Zhi Wei II [2008-04-29]
    The Hong Kong Department of Health advised the public not to use the product
    Xian Zhi Wei II because it was found to contain sibutramine and phenolphthalein,
    which are not meant for self-care and may cause serious side effects.
    Sibutramine is a prescription drug used for treating obesity and should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional. Phenolphthalein was previously used in over-the-counter laxative preparations, but is now prohibited in Canada as it may cause cancer. Individuals who may have been exposed to phenolphthalein should consult with their health practitioner.
  • Tian Li [2008-04-29]
    The United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advised the public not to use the product Tian Li, because it was found to contain tadalafil and hydroxyhomosildenafil.
    Hydroxyhomosildenafil is a compound similar in structure to sildenafil. Tadalafil and sildenafil are prescription medications indicated for the treatment of erectile
    dysfunction that should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The safety and efficacy of hydroxyhomosildenafil have not been established.
  • Aspire 36 and Aspire Lite [2008-04-17]
    The US Food and Drug Administration advised the public not to use the products
    Aspire 36
    and Aspire Lite, because they were found to contain undeclared sildenafil
    analogues (similarly structured compounds).
    Sildenafil is a prescription medication indicated for treatment of erectile dysfunction. It should only be used under the supervision of a health professional.
  • Power 1 Walnut [2008-04-11]
    Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) advised the public not to use the product Power 1 Walnut, because it was found to contain sildenafil and glibenclamide.
    Sildenafil is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Glibenclamide is used in the treatment of diabetes. Both medications should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.
  • Baby Balm "Eucalyptus and Scotch Pine" by Euphia Natural Baby Care (France). Lots : 070620, expires 06/10; 070823, expires 08/2010; and 071114, expires 11/2010
    [2008-04-11]
    The French Health Products Safety Agency recalled three lots of Baby Balm "Eucalyptus and Scotch Pine" manufactured by Euphia Natural Baby Care after the lots were found to exceed permissible limits for microbial (bacterial) contamination. These lots have also been found to exceed Health Canada's permissible limits.
  • Tetrasil; Genisil; Aviralex; OXi-MED; Beta-mannan; Micronutrient; Qina; and SlicPlus [2008-04-03]
    The FDA advised consumers to stop using these products immediately and that the products pose a serious health threat to customers because they make claims about very serious diseases. These products have not been assessed by the FDA for
    safety or effectiveness.

February

January


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 in the table in the Canadian marketplace.

For more information about the information contained in this advisory, please contact Health Canada's public enquiries 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 these products have been reported in Canada.

To report a suspected adverse reaction, please visit the MedEffect Adverse Reaction Reporting page.