Warning
2004-57
November 20, 2004
For immediate release
Health Canada warns against using Blue Cap Shampoo and Spray
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Blue Cap Shampoo and Blue
Cap Spray due to the presence of Betamethasone-21-propionate, a topical corticosteroid (steroid),
found in the shampoo and the potential of a similar substance found in the spray, neither of which
are declared on the labels. Blue Cap products have not been approved for sale in Canada.
Betamethasone-21-propionate may only be obtained by prescription. Use of Betamethasone-21-propionate
should be monitored by a physician. Corticosteroids, such as Betamethasone-21-propionate, applied
to the skin can cause thinning of the skin that can lead to permanent scarring, secondary infections,
signs of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycaemia, and glucosuria.
Blue Cap Shampoo and Blue Cap Spray are manufactured by Catalysis in Spain and
distributed by Catalysis Products of Canada. Promotional material available on the Internet indicated
that Blue Cap Shampoo treats dandruff and seborrhea. The shampoo is packaged in 150mL bottles. Blue
Cap Spray is promoted for daily hygiene for individuals who may be affected by different types
of skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. The spray is packaged in
100 mL aerosol containers.
Information available to Health Canada indicates that consumers may have purchased Blue Cap products
over the Internet, but that the products were not widely available through traditional retail sources.
The Canadian distributor has removed all Blue Cap products from the Canadian market following confirmation
of the undeclared presence of the corticosteroid (betamethasone-21-propionate) in the Blue Cap
Shampoo. In addition, the website which was previously selling Blue Cap products is no longer
operating. Health Canada has issued an alert at customs for Catalysis Products of Canada to ensure
that Blue Cap products are not imported into Canada by this company.
Health Canada is recommending that individuals using Blue Cap products contact their physician.
Consumers who have been using Blue Cap products or other topical corticosteroids for several months
should not abruptly cease use without consulting their physician as there is a low risk that individuals
may not be able to produce steroids which are released naturally in the body. This may lead to a
potentially serious or life-threatening hormone deficiency.
Health Canada encourages consumers to use only drug products which have been issued an eight-digit
Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Product Number (NPN, or DIN-HM for homeopathic medicines)
which allows consumers to distinguish between approved and unapproved drugs. Before a drug can be
sold in Canada, the manufacturer must first provide
Health Canada with scientific evidence that the drug is safe and effective at meeting its stated
claims of treatment.
Health Canada has received one complaint associated with the use of these products and the department
is taking steps to confirm that the product has been removed from the Canadian market.
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Media Inquiries:
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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