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Public advisory

"Thyroid Gland" no longer authorized for sale

Starting date:
May 13, 2014
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Identification number:
RA-39505

Issue

Health Canada has requested a stop sale and recall of the product “Thyroid Gland” (NPN 80044198). The action has been taken because the product contains the prescription drug ingredient thyroid. Products containing thyroid gland should be used with caution in diabetics, the elderly and patients with high blood pressure.

While the product was authorized as a Natural Health Product by Health Canada, products that contain prescription drug ingredients are subject to different regulatory requirements and review practices than natural health products in assessing their safety, quality and efficacy. Therefore authorization of “Thyroid Gland” as a Natural Health Product has been rescinded.

Products affected

  1. Thyroid Gland (NPN 80044198).

What you should do

  • Speak to your healthcare practitioner about any questions or concerns regarding this product.
  • Report any adverse events using this product to Health Canada.

Who is affected

Canadians who have used or purchased Life Choice Ltd.’s product, “Thyroid Gland”.

Background

There are risks with taking this health product – as it contains a prescription drug ingredient – without supervision by a healthcare professional.

The thyroid gland produces hormones commonly used to treat decreased or absent thyroid function, called hypothyroidism. Products containing thyroid hormone should be used with caution in patients also using medication to treat diabetes and blood-clotting. There is also a risk to patients with cardiac conditions such as angina pectoris, high blood pressure and in the elderly as they have a greater likelihood of heart conditions.

Health Canada has not received any reports of adverse reactions associated with the use of this product.

Report health or safety concerns

  • 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.

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada has requested that the authorization holder, Life Choice Ltd., recall “Thyroid Gland” and refrain from selling it on its website or elsewhere. As of today, the recall and stop-sale has not been initiated by Life Choice.

Update: As of May 16, 2014, the company confirmed that they requested all retail customers to stop the sale of the product.

Images

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