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COMECOO, ZHONGCAOYAO-JIANKANGJIANFEI
- Starting date:
- June 16, 2010
- Posting date:
- June 16, 2010
- Type of communication:
- Foreign Product Alert (FPA)
- Subcategory:
- Natural health products, Specialized Products
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Unauthorized products, Undeclared Substance, Product Safety
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-120001166
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 names
COMECOO, ZHONGCAOYAO-JIANKANGJIANFEI
Manufacturer / Place of origin
Unknown
Product description
These two products are promoted for weight loss.
Reason for warning
The Hong Kong Department of Health warned consumers not to buy or consume these two products after they were found to contain undeclared phenolphthalein, sibutramine and two unauthorized substances similar to sibutramine.
Phenolphthalein was previously used as a laxative but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer.
Sibutramine is a prescription drug used to treat obesity. It should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Substances similar to sibutramine may pose similar health risks.
Possible side effects
In addition to an increased risk of cancer, side-effects associated with phenolphthalein include decreased blood pressure, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Side-effects associated with sibutramine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.
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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