Advisory

2005-121
November 9, 2005
For immediate release

Health Canada advises consumers not to use certain herbal weight loss products from China

Chinese Translation

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use certain weight loss products from China because they have been found to contain sibutramine, a prescription medication that should only be taken under medical supervision.

The products in question are RS Slim & Fit, Xianting Qianzhisu, Menze Qianweisu, Shou Shen Dan-Xiao Nan Wan, Kartien Slimming Herbs Capsules, and Kartien Trimming Formula.

None of these products are approved for sale in Canada, and so far have not been found on the Canadian market. While the Hong Kong Government has recalled these products, some might still be available on the market there. Canadians travelling to Asia are therefore warned against purchasing any of these products.

Sibutramine is a prescribed medication used for weight loss and should only be taken under the guidance of a health care professional. If used improperly, it could have serious health consequences, including eye pain and eye hemorrhage, increased heart rate and raised blood pressure. People with heart or circulatory system problems should not take sibutramine. It should also not be taken with antidepressants or other medications that can affect the level of serotonin in the brain.

Consumers who are currently using any of these herbal weight loss products should stop taking the product immediately. Current and former users who are concerned about their health should contact their health care professional for advice.

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 Drug Number (DIN-HM). This authorization indicates that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Members of the public are encouraged to inform Health Canada if they are aware of the sale of any of these herbal slimming products. The toll-free number for calls to the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate is 1-800-267-9675.

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
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9

Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca

Website

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

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