Unauthorized health products seized from two Facebook Marketplace sellers, Pinas-Sabay Canada and Y&Y Online Retail

Carbocisteine is a prescription drug that is not approved for use in Canada. It is used in other countries to treat conditions associated with too much mucus in the respiratory tract. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea and heartburn. Serious allergic (e.g., anaphylactic) and skin reactions have been reported with its use. Carbocisteine can disrupt the lining of the stomach and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly, those with a history of peptic ulcers, or patients taking medications known to cause gastrointestinal bleeds such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The use of carbocisteine by pregnant people is not recommended.

Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, when taken in combination, are used as an oral contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. Unauthorized prescription oral contraceptives may be ineffective in preventing pregnancy when not used as directed by a physician. Oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol should not be taken by those allergic to any ingredients contained in these products or by those who are pregnant, as the oral contraceptive will be ineffective. Patients with blood clots, bleeding disorders, heart and circulatory system conditions or diseases (e.g., stroke, heart attack, or high blood pressure), high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes with complications, liver disease, cancer, or taking hepatitis C drug combinations, should consult a physician prior to taking oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. There are authorized oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol available in Canada.

Mefenamic acid, when taken orally (by mouth), is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve muscle aches, headaches, dental pain and menstrual pain. It should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional. This drug increases the risk of serious heart-related events (such as heart attack and stroke), high blood pressure, stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcers, severe kidney or liver problems, and bleeding or clotting problems. Serious allergic reactions can occur, including skin rash and itching, that may also be in combination with chills, aches and other flu-like symptoms.

Tretinoin in topical format (applied to the skin) is a prescription drug used to treat acne. It should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional. Topical tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy as it has been associated with birth defects. It should also not be used by those who are breastfeeding or by children under 12 years old, or by individuals who have inflamed or irritated skin, have a previous skin cancer or undiagnosed skin lesions, who are taking medicines that make their skin more sensitive to light, or who have an allergy to tretinoin. Tretinoin may cause pain, irritation, itchiness, redness, or swelling at the site of application. It may damage skin, change skin colour, and increase sensitivity to sunlight or tanning beds, causing sunburns. Using tretinoin in combination with hydroquinone may increase some of the side effects of tretinoin.