This page has been archived on the Web
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
Archived – Oyster Extract Caps
- Starting date:
- August 11, 2008
- Posting date:
- August 11, 2008
- Type of communication:
- Foreign Product Alert (FPA)
- Subcategory:
- Natural health products
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Important Safety Information, Undeclared Substance
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-12000445
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
Oyster Extract Caps
Manufacturer / Place of origin
Unknown / Hong Kong
Product description
Oyster Extract Caps are promoted as a natural health product used for sexual enhancement and the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Reason for warning
The Hong Kong Department of Health has recalled Oyster Extract Caps because they were found to contain hydroxyacetildenafil, a compound similar in structure to sildenafil.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.
Possible side effects
- Unsupervised use of sildenafil by patients with heart disease can result in serious cardiovascular side effects such as sudden cardiac death, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat.
- Additionally, use of sildenafil may be associated with other side effects including temporary vision loss, seizure, prolonged erection, headache, flushing, nasal congestion and abdominal pain.
- Sildenafil should not be used by individuals taking any type of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) due to the risk of developing potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.
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
Select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window
