Advisory

2006-89
September 14, 2006
For immediate release

Health Canada advises against use of the Ayurvedic medicinal product Jambrulin due to lead content

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the Ayurvedic medicinal product Jambrulin because it contains high levels of lead. Consumption of heavy metals such as lead can pose serious health risks because they may accumulate in the body’s vital organs. Infants, children and pregnant women are most susceptible to the toxic effects of lead.

Ingesting lead can affect nearly every organ and system in the human body and can cause abdominal pain, anaemia, changes in blood pressure, negative reproductive effects, weakness, concentration problems, weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, kidney and brain damage, and can lead to death.

Jambrulin is manufactured by Unjha Pharmacy in India and comes in tablet form. Its packaging states that the product can be used to activate the pancreas.

Ayurvedic medicinal products are used in traditional Indian healing practice and are often imported from India. According to the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, heavy metals may be used in a detoxified state in these products because of their reputed therapeutic properties. However, improper manufacturing processes may result in dangerously high levels of heavy metals in the final product.

Jambrulin is not authorized for sale in Canada and has not been found on the Canadian market. However, it is available for sale over the Internet. It may also have been brought into the country for personal use by travellers. Health products that have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, efficacy and quality will either bear an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN), or a Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).

Consumers who have used this product and who are concerned about their health should contact a health professional for advice. For more information about lead poisoning, contact the nearest poison control centre. Its number should be in the first pages of your local phone book. You can also look at the It’s Your Health fact sheet on the effects of lead on human health.

Health Canada issued public advisories in June 2006 and March 2005 and a public warning in July 2005 about the risk of heavy metal toxicity associated with other Ayurvedic medicinal products.

Some Ayurvedic medicinal products contain high levels of heavy metals

Some Ayurvedic medicinal products reported to contain high levels of heavy metals

Health Canada warns consumers not to use certain Ayurvedic medicinal products

Consumers who find any of the products listed in these advisories on the Canadian market are asked to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675.

No adverse reactions associated with Jambrulin have been reported to Health Canada.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact the Health Canada public inquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

To report a suspected adverse reaction to this 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: 1-866-234-2345
Facsimile: 1-866-678-6789

CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Tunney's Pasture, AL 0701C
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca

The CADRMP adverse reaction reporting form, including a version that can be completed and submitted online, is located on the  MedEffect portal of the Health Canada Web site.

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Media Inquiries:
Paul Duchesne
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709