This page has been archived on the Web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.
Nyal Day & Night Cold & Flu Fighter, Nyal Cold & Flu Fighter
- Starting date:
- February 25, 2009
- Posting date:
- February 25, 2009
- Type of communication:
- Foreign Product Alert (FPA)
- Subcategory:
- Natural health products
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Important Safety Information, Allergy Information
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-120001026
Source of alert
Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration
Product names
- Nyal Day & Night Cold & Flu Fighter (AUST L 146264)
- Nyal Cold & Flu Fighter (AUST L 146263)
Manufacturer / Place of origin
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Australasia Pty Ltd / Rhodes, Australia
Product description
The two Nyal products listed above are promoted for the relief of cold and flu symptoms.
These products come in packages of 24 tablets. Nyal Day & Night Cold & Flu Fighter is labelled with the product identifier "AUST L 146264," while Nyal Cold & Flu Fighter is labelled with "AUST L 146263."
Reason for warning
The Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration advised consumers not to use the above two products after they were associated with serious allergic reactions, including life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis). The products were voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer from the market and consumers were advised to return them to the place of purchase.
The specific cause or ingredient(s) that may have triggered the allergic reactions is unknown. The product labels indicate they contain the herbs Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis), Sambucus nigra (Elderberry) and Salix alba (White willow). In addition, the night-time tablet (Nyal Day & Night Cold & Flu Fighter) contains the herb Valeriana officinalis (Valerian).
Possible side effects
An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a foreign substance. The reaction can range from mild to life-threatening (anaphylactic reaction).
A mild reaction includes skin rash, sneezing itchy and/or runny eyes and nose. A severe reaction includes swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
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