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Information update

Additional Unauthorized Weight Loss Products Seized from Richmond, B.C. Store (Cube Inc.)

Starting date:
December 20, 2012
Type of communication:
Information Update
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Undeclared Substance, Important Safety Information
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-16367

OTTAWA - Further to our previous communications, Health Canada is advising Canadians that three additional unauthorized products promoted for weight loss have been seized from the "Cube Inc." store in Richmond, B.C.

Health Canada's testing of these products identified hidden drug ingredients (sibutramine and phenolphthalein) that may pose serious health risks. Caffeine was also found in two of the products and was not listed on the product label.

If new weight loss products containing sibutramine or additional hidden ingredients are identified, Health Canada will add them to its list of affected products. Canadians are advised to monitor this list for updates.

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.

Phenolphthalein, which was previously used as a laxative, 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.

Caffeine may pose health risks to people sensitive to its effects.

What you should do

Consumers should consult their health care practitioner if they have used or are using "NanFangYiRen Slimming Coffee Pure Taste, Perfect Figure", "Charantin Slimming", or "ZiRanTang Slimming Breakfast Slimming Biscuit & Brazil Black Coffee," and should report any adverse reactions to Health Canada.


Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public enquiries

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

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada would like to remind Canadian retailers that the sale of health products is governed by the Food and Drugs Act and its Regulations, and that selling unauthorized products is against the law. Retailers found selling unauthorized products may have them seized by Health Canada or by various law enforcement authorities.