Public advisory

Unauthorized products may pose serious health risks (June 11, 2019 to July 26, 2019)

Starting date:
June 11, 2019
Posting date:
July 26, 2019
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs, Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Unauthorized products, Important Safety Information
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-70171

Last updated:

Issue

Health Canada is advising Canadians about unauthorized health products that may pose serious health risks. The table below is updated when Health Canada finds unauthorized health products that are promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, as a workout aid, or as “poppers,” and that are labelled to contain or have been tested and found to contain dangerous ingredients. Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.

Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality. Unauthorized health products can pose many health dangers, including:

  • They may contain ingredients not listed on the label. This includes ingredients like prescription drugs, possibly at doses exceeding maximum recommended amounts. Prescription drugs should be taken only under the supervision of a health professional because they may cause serious side effects. Using a product that contains ingredients that the consumer is not aware of increases the chance of dangerous allergies and interactions with other medications and foods.
  • The label may indicate a dangerous ingredient or combination of ingredients. For example, it could list a drug that should be available only by prescription from a health care professional, or a combination of ingredients that Health Canada does not permit because of serious health risks.

Health Canada maintains this page so that Canadians can easily identify products they may have purchased and take appropriate action. Canadians are encouraged to check back regularly for updates. Advisories on safety issues involving other types of products are available in the recalls and safety alerts database.

What you should do

  • Stop using the products listed below. Consult your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns, and for advice on which health products are best for you and your family.
  • Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check if products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
  • Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.
  • See the additional information on buying health products safely in the helpful links below.

What companies should know:

  • Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal.
  • When Health Canada identifies unauthorized products that may pose serious health risks, Health Canada takes appropriate action to prevent further distribution and informs Canadians. This includes working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent further importation of unauthorized products.

Background

Diclofenac is a prescription drug in the family known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat pain, fever and inflammation. Side effects include changes in blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders (with or without bleeding), anemia, kidney failure and reduced blood clotting ability.

"Poppers" is a slang term for products that contain alkyl nitrites. Despite being labelled for various uses such as leather cleaners, room odourizers or liquid incense, these products are inhaled or ingested by consumers for recreational purposes. Alkyl nitrites, such as amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite, are prescription drugs and should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Products containing alkyl nitrites may pose serious risks, including death, depending on the amount used, how frequently they are used and how long they are used for, as well as the person's health and the other medications they may be taking. Since it is difficult to control how much is inhaled, people can accidentally overdose. Swallowing these products can lead to serious medical complications and may be fatal. People with certain medical conditions (including recent head trauma, bleeding into the head, glaucoma, or heart disease) and those taking certain medications (particularly drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, and other drugs such as high blood pressure medications, certain migraine drugs, and high doses of aspirin) or illicit drugs are at particular risk.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Desmethyl carbodenafil and dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil are unauthorized substances that are similar to sildenafil and may pose similar health risks.

Tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Aminotadalafil is an unauthorized substance that is similar to tadalafil and may pose similar health risks.

Yohimbine is a prescription drug and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Yohimbine is derived from yohimbe, a bark extract. The use of yohimbine or yohimbe may result in serious adverse reactions particularly in people with high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, headache, nausea and sleep disorders. It should not be used by children, or pregnant or nursing women.

Affected products

Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.

Product description

Unauthorized health products
Photo Product &
Promoted Use
Hazard Identified Company Action Taken Date Added
7K
7K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Black Panther
Black Panther
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Black Panther #1
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Black Panther Platinum 30K
Black Panther Platinum 30K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Ginseng Red 2000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain sildenafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Hard  Rock 3800
Hard Rock 3800
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Master Zone 1500
Master Zone 1500
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Premium Pro Power 3500
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailers was tested and found to contain sildenafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Premium X Pulse 2000
Premium X Pulse 2000
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbine Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain sildenafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Spanish Fly 20,000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain tadalafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Stiff Rox
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
White Panther
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
XXLAnt 3000
26LAnt 3000
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location July 26, 2019
Black Dragon Extreme 15K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Black Panther 200K
Black Panther 200K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Hard Rock 3800
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Libigrow XXXtreme 200K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Man Power
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailers was tested and found to contain tadalafil Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Premium Pro Power 3500
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe
Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailers was tested and found to contain sildenafil
Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Rush Hour 72
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailers was tested and found to contain sildenafil, tadalafil, desmethyl carbodenafil, and dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Spanish Fly 20,000
Spanish Fly 20,000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailers was tested and found to contain tadalafil Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Super Panther 7k
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
VITA-X Revitalizing Capsules
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailers was tested and found to contain sildenafil Big Bee Convenience
215 King St W
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location July 22, 2019
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Daisy Mart
2300 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Ultra Hurricane X 2000
Ultra Hurricane X 2000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbe Family Supermarket
2304 Eglinton Avenue East,
Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
5K
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Fire Ant
Fire Ant
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Front End Lifter
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Jack it Up
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Libipro
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Plz Her
Plz Her
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Rinoceronte
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Super Load
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Homerama Adult Video
2524 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Black Panther
Black Panther
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Lucky Star Convenience
1060 Kennedy Road, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain sildenafil Lucky Star Convenience
1060 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Black Ant
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil and diclofenac Sujaaan Convenience
2404 Eglinton Avenue East,
Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Spanish Fly 20,000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Sujaaan Convenience
2404 Eglinton Avenue East,
Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
Spanish Fly 22,000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Sujaaan Convenience
2404 Eglinton Avenue East,
Scarborough, ON
Seized from the retail location July 5, 2019
7k
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain yohimbe

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Amsterdam
Poppers

Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Black Deity 100mg
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain sildenafil

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Blue Boy Original
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
English Royale
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Germany Black Gorilla
Sexual enhancement

Product with similar packaging previously tested by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration was found to contain sildenafil

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Gold Label Amsterdam
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite and alkyl nitrites

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Gold Rush
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Green Mamba
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain yohimbe

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Japan Tengsu 0.5g
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain sildenafil

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Jungle Juice Gold Label
Poppers

Labelled to contain alkyl nitrites

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Jungle Juice Platinum
Poppers

Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain alkyl nitrites

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Jungle Juice Platinum Black
Jungle Juice Platinum Black
Poppers

Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain alkyl nitrites

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Locker Room Original
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Passion Classic
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain yohimbe

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Pig Sweat
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Platinum Amsterdam
Poppers

Labelled to contain alkyl nitrites

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
ResERECTION!
ResERECTION!
Sexual enhancement

Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Rising Phoenix 5k
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain yohimbe

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Rochfort
Rochfort
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Rush
Poppers

Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain alkyl nitrites

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Rush Original
Poppers

Labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Super Rush
Super Rush
Poppers

Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain isobutyl nitrite

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Titanium 4000
Titanium 4000
Sexual enhancement

Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
White Mamba Triple Maximum
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain yohimbe

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
White Panther
White Panther
Sexual enhancement

Labelled to contain yohimbe

Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON

Seized from the retail location June 28, 2019
Jaguar 30000
Jaguar 30000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

871 Chemong Rd,
Peterborough, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
Kangaroo
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

871 Chemong Rd,
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
Master Zone 1500
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

871 Chemong Rd,
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
ResERECTION!
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
Rhino
Rhino
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain aminotadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
Stiff Nights
Stiff Nights
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
Super Panther 7K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

871 Chemong Rd,
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
Triple Green Labelled to contain yohimbe

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

871 Chemong Rd,
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
VIP Go Rhino Gold 69K Labelled to contain yohimbe

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N,
Market Plaza,
Peterborough, ON

871 Chemong Rd,
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019
XXLant 3000 Labelled to contain yohimbe

Forbidden Pleasures

871 Chemong Rd,
Peterborough, ON

Seized from the retail location June 11, 2019

 


Advisory

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public enquiries

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

Images

Select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window