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Foreign Product Alert: Bee Sexy Slimming capsules, Biolo World Slimming capsules, ele Slim Shot, LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT, LONGRED Oyster-x, Stiff Bull Herbal Coffee, Wolfish Shark Viagra tablets
- Starting date:
- December 1, 2016
- Posting date:
- December 1, 2016
- Type of communication:
- Foreign Product Alert (FPA)
- Subcategory:
- Natural health products
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Important Safety Information, Unauthorized products
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-61262
Issue
These foreign health products have been found by regulators in other countries to contain undeclared drug ingredients.
The 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.
| Product Name(s) | Hazard(s) Identified | Source of Alert | Images |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized Sexual Enhancement Products | |||
| Wolfish Shark Viagra Tablets | Undeclared sildenafil | Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration |
|
| Unauthorized Weight Loss Products | |||
| Bee Sexy Slimming Capsules | Undeclared sibutramine | Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration |
|
| Biolo World Slimming Capsules | Undeclared sibutramine and phenolphthalein | Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration |
|
| ele Slim Shot | Undeclared orlistat | Hong Kong Department of Health |
|
| Other Unauthorized Products | |||
| Stiff Bull Herbal Coffee | Undeclared desmethyl carbodenafil | United States Food and Drug Administration |
|
| LONGRED Oyster-x | Undeclared sildenafil | Singapore Health Sciences Authority |
|
| LifeSparks 100% Natural PAIN RELIEF SUPPLEMENT | Undeclared chlorpheniramine, dexamethasone, diclofenac, paracetamol (acetaminophen), piroxicam, sulphamethoxazole | Singapore Health Sciences Authority |
|
What you should do
- Contact Health Canada at 1-800-267-9675 or by completing an online complaint form if you find a product listed above in the Canadian marketplace.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you have health concerns related to the use of any of these products.
- Read the label of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).
Background
Prescription drugs should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is an ingredient used in both non-prescription and prescription drugs to treat fever and pain. Acetaminophen may cause serious liver damage.
Chlorpheniramine is a non-prescription antihistamine drug. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and blurred vision.
Desmethyl carbodenafil is an unauthorized substance similar to sildenafil and may pose similar health risks. Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.
Dexamethasone is a steroidal prescription drug used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergic reactions. Side effects include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcer, blood disorders, skin, muscle and bone damage, and nervous system disorders. Consult with your healthcare professional prior to stopping use, as sudden discontinuation of dexamethasone may cause symptoms of withdrawal.
Diclofenac is a prescription drug in the family known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat pain, fever and inflammation. Side effects include changes in blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders (with or without bleeding), anemia, kidney failure and reduced blood clotting ability.
Orlistat is a prescription weight-loss drug. Side effects include abdominal discomfort, anal leakage, increased stool volume and frequency, and fatty/oily stool.
Phenolphthalein was previously used as a laxative but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer. Additional side effects include decreased blood pressure, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Piroxicam is a prescription drug in the family known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat pain, fever and inflammation. Side effects include changes in blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders (with or without bleeding), anemia, kidney failure and reduced blood clotting ability.
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. Other side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.
Sulphamethoxazole is a prescription drug used to treat bacterial infections. Side effects include severe skin rash, fever, arthritis, shortness of breath, low blood counts, lethargy, bruising, bleeding, and jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes).
Report health or safety concerns
To report a side effect to a health product to Health Canada:
- 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
As of November 28, 2016, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of these products have been reported to Health Canada.
Images
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