Unauthorized products may pose serious health risks (February 10, 2020 to March 13, 2020)
- Starting date:
- February 10, 2020
- Posting date:
- March 13, 2020
- Type of communication:
- Advisory
- Subcategory:
- Drugs, Natural health products
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Unauthorized products, Important Safety Information
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-72293
Last updated:
2020-10-30
Issue
What you should do
Background
Affected products
Related AWRs
Media enquiries
Public enquiries
Images
Summary
- Product: Various unauthorized health products promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, as a workout aid, or as "poppers".
- Issue: Products may contain dangerous ingredients such as prescription drugs that are not listed on the label, or the label may indicate a dangerous ingredient or combination of ingredients.
- What to do: Stop using these products and consult your healthcare professional if you have health concerns. Report these or any unauthorized health products to Health Canada.
Issue
Health Canada is advising Canadians about unauthorized health products that may pose serious health risks. The table below is updated when Health Canada finds unauthorized health products that are promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, as a workout aid, or as "poppers," and that are labelled to contain or have been tested and found to contain dangerous ingredients. Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.
Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality. Unauthorized health products can pose many health dangers, including:
- They may contain ingredients not listed on the label. This includes ingredients like prescription drugs, possibly at doses exceeding maximum recommended amounts. Prescription drugs should be taken only under the supervision of a health care professional because they may cause serious side effects. Using a product that contains ingredients that the consumer is not aware of increases the chance of dangerous allergies and interactions with other medications and foods.
- The label may indicate a dangerous ingredient or combination of ingredients. For example, it could list a drug that should be available only by prescription from a health care professional, or a combination of ingredients that Health Canada does not permit because of serious health risks.
Health Canada maintains this page so that Canadians can easily identify products they may have purchased and take appropriate action. Canadians are encouraged to check back regularly for updates. Advisories on safety issues involving other types of products are available in the recalls and safety alerts database.
What you should do
- Stop using the products listed below. Consult your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns, and for advice on which health products are best for you and your family.
- Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check if products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
- Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.
- See the additional information on buying health products safely in the helpful links below.
What companies should know:
- Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal.
- When Health Canada identifies unauthorized products that may pose serious health risks, Health Canada takes appropriate action to prevent further distribution and informs Canadians. This includes working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent further importation of unauthorized products.
Background
Cardarine (also known as GW501516 and GW1516), MK-677 and SR-9009 are not authorized in Canada for any use and may pose serious health risks. All clinical development all activities to bring GW501516 to market were stopped when toxicities, including various cancers, were discovered following routine, long-term animal studies. The long-term effects in humans are unknown.
Ephedrine/Ephedra (and its alkaloids) is a drug and a stimulant. The use of products containing ephedrine/ephedra is not recommended in people with heart problems, hypertension, thyroid disease, diabetes, enlarged prostate, anxiety and restlessness, glaucoma (serious eye disorder) and pheochromocytoma (serious gland disorder) because ephedra/ephedrine aggravates these conditions. These products should also be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Ephedrine/Ephedra (and its alkaloids) taken in combination with caffeine can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness, tremors, headaches and irregularities in heart rate to seizures, psychosis, heart attack and stroke.
L-Dopa, also known as levodopa, is a prescription drug that is combined with other drug ingredients in anti-Parkinson's medications. It should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Levodopa may interact with drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, and should not be used by women who are pregnant, who plan to become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. It should also not be taken by people with narrow angle glaucoma; untreated heart, liver, kidney, lung or hormonal diseases; a history of melanoma; or those who should not take drugs such as isoproterenol, amphetamines or epinephrine. Side effects requiring medical attention include: uncontrollable movements of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, neck, arms, hands, or legs; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; an irregular heartbeat or fluttering in the chest; feeling lightheaded when standing quickly; or unusual changes in mood or behaviour.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an herbal product, which contain alkaloidal isolate such as mitragynine, that may pose serious health risks when swallowed or inhaled. Side effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, liver toxicity and excessively rapid heartbeat. Kratom has been linked to both narcotic and stimulant-like effects, and has potential for abuse and dependence.
"Poppers" is a slang term for products that contain alkyl nitrites. Despite being labelled for various uses such as leather cleaners, room odourizers or liquid incense, these products are inhaled or ingested by consumers for recreational purposes. Alkyl nitrites, such as amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite, are prescription drugs and should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Products containing alkyl nitrites may pose serious risks, including death, depending on the amount used, how frequently they are used and how long they are used for, as well as the person's health and the other medications they may be taking. Since it is difficult to control how much is inhaled, people can accidentally overdose. Swallowing these products can lead to serious medical complications and may be fatal. People with certain medical conditions (including recent head trauma, bleeding into the head, glaucoma, or heart disease) and those taking certain medications (particularly drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, and other drugs such as high blood pressure medications, certain migraine drugs, and high doses of aspirin) or illicit drugs are at particular risk.
Rauwolfia (also known as rauvolfia) is a prescription drug that can be used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). People with heart conditions or psychiatric disorders should receive close medical supervision when using it as it can make certain conditions, such as depression, worse. Common side effects include tiredness, sleepiness, depression, nasal obstruction and breathlessness. Rauwolfia should not be used by children, or pregnant or nursing women.
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are drugs that are not authorized in Canada for any use and have not been reviewed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. The use of bodybuilding products that contain SARMs can pose serious health risks such as heart attack, stroke and liver damage. The long-term effects on the body are unknown. Examples include andarine, ostarine (MK 2866), ligandrol (LDG-4033) myostine (YK-11), and testolone (RAD-140).
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It 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 possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Hydroxythiohomosildenafil and thiodimethylsildenafil are unauthorized substances that are similar to sildenafil and may pose similar health risks.
Tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) since 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 possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Aminotadalafil is an unauthorized substance that is similar to tadalafil and may pose similar health risks.
Testosterone compounds, such as testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, testosterone canoate, testosterone enanthate, and testosterone decanoate, are anabolic steroids, synthetic derivatives of testosterone. They have been linked to many significant health risks, some of which are permanent and even fatal. Side effects include heart disease (including heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke); water retention (with swelling of ankles and feet, shortness of breath, and weight gain); mental health problems (including anxiety, depression, or aggressive behaviour);changes in libido (sex drive); acne; breathing problems (sleep apnea); kidney disease;high blood calcium levels (with vomiting, stomach pain, increased thirst or urination, muscle pain or weakness, or joint pain); and high blood fat levels. In addition, in men, side effects include decreased sperm production, decreased testicle size, infertility, trouble urinating, too frequent or prolonged erections, enlarged prostate, breast swelling, and unusual penis growth (before puberty). In women, it can cause male characteristics such as an increase in facial hair growth, male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice and menstrual irregularities. In children, bone growth may be affected. Use of testosterone compounds may also be habit-forming. These compounds should not be taken by people with breast or prostate cancer, heart disease, advanced kidney disease, high blood calcium or fat levels, a history of stroke or blood clots, diabetes (may cause low blood sugar) and by pregnant women (may affect the baby). Use is not recommended while breast-feeding.
Yohimbine is a prescription drug and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Yohimbine is derived from yohimbe, a bark extract. The use of yohimbine or yohimbe may result in serious adverse reactions particularly in people with high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, headache, nausea and sleep disorders. It should not be used by children, or pregnant or nursing women.
Affected products
Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.
Product description
| Photo | Product & Promoted Use | Hazard Identified | Company | Action Taken | Date Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rhino Super Long Lasting 200k Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain tadalafil |
Maple Convenience |
Seized from retail location | March 13, 2020 |
|
Stiff Rox Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil |
Maple Convenience |
Seized from retail location | March 13, 2020 |
|
Black Panther #1 Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Maple Convenience |
Seized from retail location | March 13, 2020 |
|
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbe |
Maple Convenience |
Seized from retail location | March 13, 2020 |
|
Maximum Power Bang All Night Long Sexual enhancement |
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil |
St. James Town Gifts & Variety 106-240 Wellesley St. East Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
Never Rest Sexual enhancement |
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil | Lil’ Devil Adult Video & Toys 1620 Idylwyld Dr. North, Unit 4 Saskatoon, SK | Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
All Nite Long Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain mucuna pruriens seed extract (10% L-dopa) |
Blue Sky Supermarket 1805 Pickering Pkwy. Pickering, ON |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
Horny Goat Weed Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain mucuna pruriens seed extract (12% L-dopa) |
Blue Sky Supermarket 1805 Pickering Pkwy. Pickering, ON |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-CARD Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain cardarine GW-501516 |
Reflex Supplements 105 Carry Dr. SE #111 Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-STA Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain ostarine MK-2866 |
Reflex Supplements 105 Carry Dr. SE #111 Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-TKO Total Knock-Out Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain ostarine MK-2866 |
Reflex Supplements 105 Carry Dr. SE #111 Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-CARD Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain cardarine GW-501516 |
Body Building Depot Fitness Emporium 1-40 Strachan Ct SE Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-HGH Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain MK-677 |
Body Building Depot Fitness Emporium 1-40 Strachan Ct SE Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-LGD Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain ligandrol LGD-4033 |
Body Building Depot Fitness Emporium 1-40 Strachan Ct SE Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-RAD Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain RAD 140 testolone |
Body Building Depot Fitness Emporium 1-40 Strachan Ct SE Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-S4 Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain andarine |
Body Building Depot Fitness Emporium 1-40 Strachan Ct SE Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-TKO MYO-TKO Total Knock-Out Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain ostarine MK-2866 |
Body Building Depot Fitness Emporium 1-40 Strachan Ct SE Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
MYO-YK Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain YK-11 myostine |
Body Building Depot Fitness Emporium 1-40 Strachan Ct SE Medicine Hat, AB |
Seized from the retail location | March 10, 2020 |
|
Shark 5k Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe | Maple Convenience Store #2, 373 Colborne St., Brantford, ON | Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Spanish Fly 22,000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain tadalafil | Maple Convenience Store #2, 373 Colborne St., Brantford, ON | Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
White Panther Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe | Maple Convenience Store #2, 373 Colborne St., Brantford, ON | Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
X Panther Premium Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe | Maple Convenience Store #2, 373 Colborne St., Brantford, ON | Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Titanium 4000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil | Maple Convenience Store #2, 373 Colborne St., Brantford, ON | Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Jaguar 30000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil | Maple Convenience Store #2, 373 Colborne St., Brantford, ON | Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Spanish Fly 20,000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain tadalafil |
Telly's Variety Store 775 Colborne St, Brantford, ON |
Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Alien Power Platinum 11000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain tadalafil |
Telly's Variety Store 775 Colborne St, Brantford, ON |
Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil |
Telly's Variety Store 775 Colborne St, Brantford, ON |
Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Premium Pro Power 3500 Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe. Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil |
Telly's Variety Store 775 Colborne St, Brantford, ON |
Seized from retail location | February 19, 2020 |
|
Methyldrene 25 Weight loss |
Labelled to contain ephedra and caffeine, and yohimbine |
Pump'd Supplements & Smoothies 12 Commerce Park Drive Barrie, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 17, 2020 |
|
Nitraflex Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain rauwolfia |
Pump'd Supplements & Smoothies 12 Commerce Park Drive Barrie, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 17, 2020 |
|
Nitraflex + C Workout supplement |
Labelled to contain rauwolfia |
Pump'd Supplements & Smoothies 12 Commerce Park Drive Barrie, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 17, 2020 |
|
Yohimbe HCL Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbine |
Pump'd Supplements & Smoothies 12 Commerce Park Drive Barrie, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 17, 2020 |
|
Alien Power Platinum 1100 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain tadalafil |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Kangaroo Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Master Zone 1500 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
ResERECTION (Blister) Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Rhino Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain amino tadalafil |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Super Panther 7K Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Triple Green Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
VIP GO Rhino Gold 69K Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe bark extract |
Forbidden Pleasures 871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
2000 Ginseng Red Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
3800 Hard Rock Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
7K Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Lollipop Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil, tadalafil and yohimbine |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Magnum XXL 25K Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging was tested by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and found to contain tadalafil |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Master Zone 1500 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Premium Pro Power 3500 Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Premium X Pulse 2000 Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000 Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbine. |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Stiff Rox Sexual enhancement |
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Thunder Bull Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Triple Green Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
Vigar X Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
White Panther Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
|
XXL Ant 3000 Sexual enhancement |
Labelled to contain yohimbe |
Hasty Market 670 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 1&2, Toronto, ON |
Seized from the retail location | February 10, 2020 |
Related AWRs
Media enquiries
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca
Public enquiries
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
hcinfo.infosc@canada.ca
Images
Select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window
