Warning

2006-01
January 19, 2006
For immediate release

African herbal products M2 Formula and Energy 2000 pose potential health risks

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the Nigerian herbal products M2 Formula and Energy 2000 capsules because they may contain toxic herbal ingredients and could lead to serious health risks.

M2 Formula and Energy 2000 may contain the toxic ingredients Strophanthus sarmentosus or Aristolochia. Strophanthus has the potential to cause serious heart-related problems, including abnormal heart rate. Aristolochia can cause cancer, changes in human cells and kidney failure.

M2 Formula is promoted to fight against general infection, stomach disorders, fever and coughs, while Energy 2000 is advertised as a sex restorative treatment to improve depressed libido and for the treatment of piles (or hemorrhoids) and stress.

These products are not authorized for sale in Canada, and so far have not been found for sale on the Canadian market. Canadians who may have purchased these products over the Internet or while travelling abroad are warned not to use them, and to consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health due to these products.

M2 Formula and Energy 2000 are manufactured by Yem-Kem International in Nigeria and have been identified as being for sale in the United Kingdom. As a result, the United Kingdom and Irish regulatory agencies have issued public alerts about the risk of using these products.
( http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE
&useSecondary;=true&ssDocName;=CON2022697&ssTargetNodeId;=663).

Canadians should only use drugs and natural health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized drugs and natural health products will bear either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM). This authorization indicates that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Health Canada also advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find any of these products in Canada. Health Canada has notified Canada Customs to detain any shipment of M2 Formula and Energy 2000 capsules at the border.

To date, no adverse reactions from the use of these products have been reported in Canada. To report a suspected adverse reaction, 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

Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca

Please visit the following links to view the advisories and warnings issued by Health Canada to alert consumers about the risk of cancer and kidney failure associated with the use of aristolochia:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2004/2004_43_e.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2005/2005_08_e.html

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Media Enquiries:
Nathalie Lalonde
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803

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