Archived – Health Canada Warns Canadians of Cardiac Risks Associated with Cesium Chloride

Starting date:

September 10, 2009

Posting date:

September 10, 2009

Type of communication:

Advisory

Subcategory:

Drugs

Source of recall:

Health Canada

Issue:

Important Safety Information, Unauthorized products

Audience:

General Public

Identification number:

RA-110003001

• 
  Media enquiries
• 
  Public enquiries

Health Canada is warning Canadians that the use of stable cesium compounds (non-radioactive form of cesium salts, primarily cesium chloride) may pose the risk of life-threatening heart problems. Cesium, primarily in the form of cesium chloride, is promoted on the Internet to prevent various forms of cancer and as a self-administered cancer treatment.

While use of radioactive cesium in radiation treatment for cancer is authorized in Canada, Health Canada has not authorized any health products containing stable cesium compounds for oral or intravenous use, including cesium chloride. However, numerous Internet sites promote the oral use of cesium chloride as an alternative to chemotherapy. In addition to the risk of life-threatening heart problems, there is inadequate evidence to support claims of benefits with this type of treatment. The decision to self-administer cesium chloride as a treatment for cancer may also delay the start of authorized therapies that have been proven effective.

Health Canada is aware of three cases of serious cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beat) in Canadian consumers who took oral cesium chloride. These patients also experienced decreased or loss of consciousness. In some published foreign cases, arrhythmia following cesium chloride use has led to cardiac arrest, a condition that can be fatal. Some of these cases involved intravenous use of cesium.

Health Canada advises against any use of unauthorized oral or intravenous stable cesium compound.  Users who experience adverse events, including irregular heart beat or decreased consciousness, should consult a health care practitioner immediately. Canadians should discuss the use of any health product for the prevention or treatment of cancer with their health care practitioner prior to starting its use.

Health Canada is taking action on unauthorized cesium-containing products sold on the Canadian market. All health products authorized for sale in Canada bear an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). This authorization indicates that the product has been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at

1-866-225-0709.

Complaints involving products containing cesium chloride may be reported to the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-267-9675, or by writing to:

Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate

Health Canada

Address Locator: 2003C

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9

You can also contact a Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate Regional Operational Centre.

Consumers and health care practitioners are encouraged to report any adverse reactions associated with the use of cesium chloride or other health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following three ways: 

• Report online at the MedEffect™ Canada section of the Health Canada website
• Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
• Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and either:
  • Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789
  • Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program
    
    Health Canada
    
    AL 0701C
    
    Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9                    

To havepostage pre-paid, download the postage paid label  from the MedEffect™ Canada section of the Health Canada website. The Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines may also be obtained via this section.

Media enquiries

Health Canada

613-957-2983

Public enquiries

613-957-2991

1-866-225-0709