Archived – Khun-Phra

Starting date:

September 28, 2007

Posting date:

September 28, 2007

Type of communication:

Foreign Product Alert (FPA)

Subcategory:

Natural health products

Source of recall:

Health Canada

Issue:

Unauthorized products, Undeclared Substance

Audience:

General Public

Identification number:

RA-12000235

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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.

Source of alert

Hong Kong Department of Health

Product name

Khun-Phra

Manufacturer / Place of origin

Manufacturer Unknown / Origin Unknown

Product description

Khun-Phra is a health product promoted to treat arthritis and joint pain.

Reason for warning

The Hong Kong Department of Health advised consumers not to use Khun-Phra because it contains the undeclared drugs dexamethasone, prednisolone, phenylbutazone, diazepam, cyproheptadine and mebhydrolin.

Dexamethasone, prednisolone and phenylbutazone are prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. Diazepam is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety and seizure disorders. These drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.

Cyproheptadine is a licensed, over-the-counter antihistamine. It is also used to promote weight gain but should only be taken on the advice of a physician for this use. Cyproheptadine should not be taken for prolonged periods of time without consulting with a physician.

Mebhydrolin is an antihistamine that is not licensed in Canada.

Possible side effects

Use of dexamethasone and prednisolone may result in several side effects including irregular heart beat, increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol, increased blood sugar, menstrual irregularities, suppression of growth in children, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, peptic ulcer, blood disorders, allergic skin reaction, muscle damage, seizures and hallucinations.

Side effects of diazepam can include dizziness, drowsiness, jaundice, depression, memory loss and seizures.

Side effects of phenylbutazone can include parotid gland enlargement, anemia and liver damage.

Side effects of cyproheptadine and mebhydrolin can include rash and hives.

What you should do

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.

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.

Background

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.

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.

Report a health or safety concern

• Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
• Visit Health Canada's Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.

Media enquiries

Health Canada
613-957-2983

Public enquiries

613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709

Images

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