Slimina weightloss capsules, S-shape slim capsules

Foreign Product Alert
2012-16
January 25, 2012
For immediate release

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

Source of Alert

Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Product Names

• Slimina weightloss capsules
• S-shape slim capsules

Manufacturer / Place of Origin

Unknown

Product Description

These products are promoted as natural health products used for weight loss.

Slimina weightloss capsules



S-shape slim capsules

Reason for Warning

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration warned consumers not to use Slimina weightloss capsules after it was found to contain undeclared sibutramine, and S-shape slim capsules after it was found to contain undeclared sibutramine, fenfluramine, phenolphthalein, propranolol and nifedipine.

Sibutramine was previously used to treat obesity but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because of its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack and stroke.

Fenfluramine was previously used to treat obesity but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because of its association with primary pulmonary hypertension (severe lung disease) and heart valve disease.

Phenolphthalein was previously used as a laxative but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer.

Propranolol is a prescription drug used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, while nifedipine is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure and angina (heart-related chest pain). Propranolol and nifedipine should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

Possible Side-Effects

In addition to heart attack and stroke, side-effects associated with sibutramine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.

Additional side-effects associated with fenfluramine include headache, drowsiness, dizziness, palpitation, diarrhea and dry mouth.

Additional side-effects associated with phenolphthalein include decreased blood pressure, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Side-effects associated with propranolol include decreased blood pressure, cold hands and feet, dizziness, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and difficulty breathing. Patients with cardiovascular conditions (high blood pressure, chest pain) should consult their health care practitioner before stopping S-shape slim capsules as suddenly stopping propranolol may cause serious side effects.

Side-effects associated with nifedipine include headache, dizziness, fast heartbeat, flushing and swelling of the arms and legs.

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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

For more details on these Foreign Product Alerts, please visit the Health Canada Web site.

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These products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace, but it is possible they may have been brought into the country 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 the product 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.