Warning

1997-38
June 5, 1997

Warning not to use products containing the herb EPHEDRA, also known as MA HUANG

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use products containing the herb EPHEDRA, also known as MA HUANG, unless the product label carries a Drug Identification Number (DIN). The DIN is an eight digit number which appears on the front of the product label, preceded by the letters DIN or GP.

Health Canada has received notice that the US government is expected to announce shortly a number of measures to curtail the sale of preparations containing ephedrine alkaloids.

Preparations containing this herb or its active constituent have caused close to 20 deaths in the US over the last few years and hundreds of adverse reactions. In Canada, products containing ephedrine are regulated as drugs and are only authorized for sale by Health Canada after a review of the product's safety and efficacy. Preparations containing ephedrine are safe and effective when used for the authorized conditions. At this time, the only approved non-prescription use is in a nasal decongestant, and dosage directions and precautions should be strictly followed. Such products are only recommended for use for short periods of time. If in doubt, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted prior to use.

Health Canada is aware that many ephedrine-containing preparations not approved for sale in Canada are used by Canadians. They are frequently imported for personal use, or clandestinely sold in establishments such as fitness centres for a variety of purposes, including weight loss, increased energy and body building. Ingredient panels on these products may list ma huang, Chinese ephedra, ma huang extract, ephedra, Ephedra sinica, ephedra extract, ephedra herb powder, or epitonin, all of which indicate a source of ephedrine.

These products pose the same potential for adverse effects as those seen in the US. Reported adverse events range from episodes that may indicate the potential for more serious effects, for example, dizziness, tremors, headaches, and irregularities in heart rate to seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death.

Health Canada urges all individuals who may have these products to stop consuming them and to consult their health care professionals immediately if they experience any adverse effects.

Information:
Micheline Ho
Health Canada
(613) 954-4922
Pager: (613) 598-9034

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991