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Public advisory

ZXT Gold Bee Pollen Capsules Found to Contain Hidden Drugs, May Pose Serious Health Risks

Starting date:
June 29, 2012
Posting date:
June 29, 2012
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs, Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Undeclared Substance
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-15014

The issue

Health Canada testing has identified that the weight loss product "ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules contain hidden pharmaceutical ingredients (sibutramine and phenolphthalein), which may pose serious health risks. The product is distributed by the company Floyd Nutrition LLC via its Web site.

Who is affected

Canadians who have purchased or used "ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules.

What purchasers should do

  • Be aware that this product has been found to contain hidden pharmaceutical drugs that may pose a dangerous health risk.
  • Speak to your healthcare practitioner about any questions or concerns regarding this product.
  • Report any adverse reaction you suspect may be related to this product to Health Canada (see below).

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada has requested the Canadian distributor associated with the Floyd Nutrition LLC Web site to immediately stop sale and advertising of this product, and to remove these products from the Canadian market.

To date, no adverse reaction reports involving "ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules have been reported to Health Canada.

Background

"ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules are not authorized in Canada and have not been evaluated 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), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label. Some natural health products may have an Exemption Number (EN), which indicates that the product is legally available for sale while Health Canada is reviewing its application for licensing.

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. In addition to heart attack and stroke, side-effects associated with sibutramine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.

Phenolphthalein was previously used as a laxative but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer. Additional side-effects associated with phenolphthalein include decreased blood pressure, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Affected products

"ZXT GOLD™ – The original bee pollen capsules"

How to report side effects to health products to Health Canada

  • Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
  • Visit MedEffect 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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