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Public advisory

Nutrex Research Lipo 6X: Weight Loss Product Could Cause Serious Adverse Reactions

Starting date:
January 28, 2011
Posting date:
January 28, 2011
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Important Safety Information, Labelling and Packaging
Audience:
General Public, Healthcare Professionals
Identification number:
RA-110004546

Issue

Nutrex Research Lipo 6X is being voluntarily recalled from the Canadian market because of the risk of serious, potentially fatal adverse effects from the combination of the ingredients in the product. To date, Health Canada has not received any reports of adverse reactions in Canada associated with the use of Nutrex Research Lipo 6X.

Nutrex Research Lipo 6X is not authorized by Health Canada and is promoted for weight loss or body building. It contains caffeine and synephrine, which is similar to ephedrine. When used in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, synephrine and/or ephedrine has caused reported adverse events ranging from dizziness, tremors, headaches and irregularities in heart rate to seizures, psychosis, heart attacks and stroke.

Products affected

Nutrex Research Lipo 6X

What you should do

  • Consult your healthcare practitioner with any questions or concerns regarding use of this product.
  • Read the label of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed 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 (NHPs) 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.
  • Report any adverse reaction potentially related to this product to Health Canada (see below).

Who is affected

Canadians who have purchased or used the product, Nutrex Research Lipo 6X.

Background

Nutrex Research Lipo 6X is not authorized by Health Canada and bears no Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Health Product Number (NPN), Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or Exemption Number (EN).

Several health advisories have been issued by Health Canada warning Canadians about products containing synephrine/ephedrine/ephedra, in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, for purposes of weight loss, body building or increased energy.

Report health or safety concerns

To report a suspected adverse reaction to these or other health products, please contact Heath Canada's Canada Vigilance Program toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and send to us using one of these methods:

  • Fax: 1-866-678-6789
  • Internet: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
  • Mail: Canada Vigilance Program
    Marketed Health Products Directorate
    Ottawa, ON, Address Locator 0701E
    K1A 0K9

Media enquiries

Health Canada
613-957-2983

Public enquiries

613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada has contacted True North Nutrition, the importer and distributor of Nutrex Research Lipo 6X and asked them to initiate a stop sale and recall of this product from the Canadian market. Health Canada will monitor their voluntary recall.

It is important to note that this product may have been purchased by consumers at retail stores across Canada or over the internet from various websites. Health Canada advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find this product or similar products available for sale.

Images

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