Public advisory

Unauthorized Botox and other health products seized from Arshia Hair Salon and Spa in Toronto May Pose Serious Health Risks

Starting date:
May 19, 2018
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Unauthorized products
Identification number:
RA-66830

Issue

Health Canada is advising Canadians that it has seized an unauthorized “Botox” product and other unauthorized health products from Arshia Hair Salon and Spa (6062A Yonge Street) in Toronto, ON, because they may pose serious health risks. These products may have been administered as injectable treatments for cosmetic purposes.

Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality. Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal.

Products affected

  • Botox botulinum toxin type A (a version that is not authorized in Canada)
  • Hylase
  • Mesoline Bodyfirm
  • Mesoline Slim
  • Mesoline Tight

What you should do

  • Do not use these unauthorized products from Arshia Hair Salon and Spa, or anywhere else. Consult your health care professional if you have used or have been administered these products and have health concerns.
  • Report complaints about health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1‑800‑267‑9675, or complete an online complaint form.

Who is affected

Consumers who have been administered or used any of these unauthorized health products.

Background

Botulinum toxin type A is used to treat severe muscle spasms in the neck, eye and foot, as well as chronic migraines, urinary incontinence, and excessive sweating. It is also used for cosmetic purposes to treat facial wrinkling. Authorized botulinum toxin type A products should be used only under specialist supervision and only if the benefits of treatment are considered to outweigh the risks. Potential risks associated with injecting an unauthorized Botulinum toxin type A product can range from mild local paralysis to death. All products administered by injection in Canada must be authorized for sale by Health Canada.

Unauthorized injectable health products for cosmetic purposes carry significant risk because of the potential for infection, scarring and poor outcomes. These products have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness or quality.

Related links

Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls.

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public enquiries

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

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada seized the unauthorized health products. Should additional retailers or distributors be identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians as necessary.

Images

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