Warning
2006-25
May 3, 2006
For immediate release
Health Canada warns consumers not to use Nasutra due to potential health risks
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use
the product Nasutra because it has been found to contain the undeclared ingredient sildenafil
(chemical name for ViagraTM)
that could lead to serious health risks, especially for patients with existing medical
conditions such as heart problems, those who may be taking heart medications, or those
who may be at risk for strokes.
Nasutra is advertised as an all-natural traditional Chinese
medicine for sexual enhancement, but it was found to contain sildenafil, which should
only be used under medical supervision.
Sildenafil has also been associated with serious side-effects including sudden vision
loss, penile tissue damage and urinary tract infection.
This product is not authorized for
sale in Canada, but it may be available to Canadian consumers through the Internet, personal
importation, or other venues. Canadians who may
have purchased Nasutra over the Internet or while travelling abroad are warned not to
use it, and to consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their
health
due to this product.
Nasutra has been found for sale in New Zealand. As a result, the
New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority tested the product and issued
a warning advising the
public not to purchase or consume the product Nasutra.
Health
Canada also advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate
at 1-800-267-9675 if they find Nasutra products in Canada. Health Canada has notified
the Canada Border Services Agency to detain any shipment of Nasutra at the border.
To report
a suspected adverse reaction with these or any other health product, please contact the
Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada
by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 866-234-2345
Facsimile: 866-678-6789
CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Health Protection Building, Tunney’s Pasture, AL 0701C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca
Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can
contact Health Canada’s
public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
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Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1(866) 225-0709
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