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Ling Zhi She Xiang Tong Mai Dan
- Starting date:
- June 4, 2012
- Posting date:
- June 4, 2012
- Type of communication:
- Foreign Product Alert (FPA)
- Subcategory:
- Natural health products
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Product Safety, Undeclared Substance
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-15025
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
Ling Zhi She Xiang Tong Mai Dan
Manufacturer / Place of origin
Unknown
Reason for warning
The Hong Kong Department of Health warned consumers to not use this product after it was found to contain undeclared dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone is a steroidal prescription drug used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergic reactions. It should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
According to the Hong Kong Department of Health press release, Ling Zhi She Xiang Tong Mai Dan was investigated by the Hong Kong Department of Health after an 87-year-old man was admitted to a Hong Kong hospital because of "gouty arthritis and decreased appetite. He was found to have features of Cushing's syndrome, which can be caused by steroid overdose. A drug-related adverse effect was suspected. He had been taking Ling Zhi She Xiang Tong Mai Dan for a year.
Possible side effects
Side effects associated with dexamethasone include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcer, blood disorders, skin, muscle and bone damage, and nervous system disorders. Consult with your health care practitioner prior to stopping use, as sudden discontinuation of dexamethasone may cause symptoms of withdrawal.
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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