Advisory

2004-45
September 2, 2004
For immediate release

Health Canada Advises Consumers to Return Euro-K and Riva-K Potassium Chloride Products

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers of a recall of potassium replacement products distributed in Canada by EuroPharm International Canada Inc. and Laboratoire Riva Inc. Potassium replacement products are used in the treatment and prevention of potassium depletion. Recent testing has led to the conclusion that some of the products released potassium at a rate or quantity lower or higher than specified. The following products are being recalled: Euro-K 8, Euro-K 20, Euro-K 600, Riva-K 8 SR, and Riva-K 20 SR.

As a precaution, Health Canada is advising consumers to return these products to their pharmacists for a suitable alternative. Individuals with heart, liver or kidney conditions, taking any of these products on the advice of a physician should not stop taking these products but should consult their physician to have their potassium status assessed.

Symptoms of potential adverse reactions to these products can vary greatly between individuals, therefore, accurately predicting all of the symptoms which may occur as a result of use is difficult. In many cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in some cases, symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, and muscle fatigue.

Euro-K and Riva-K products come in capsule and tablet form. These products have been available to the public, without prescription, from behind pharmacy counters. The name of the potassium replacement product is written on the label of the container.

There have been no reports of adverse reactions related to the use of these products in Canada. Health Canada became aware of the situation associated with these products during routine site inspections. Consumers and health care professionals are urged to report adverse reactions to Health Canada by toll-free telephone at (866) 234-2345 or by toll-free fax at (866) 678-6789. For further information, please contact the nearest Regional Operational Centre.

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Regional Operational Centres:

British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Yukon
Operational Manager
3155 Willingdon Green
Burnaby, British Columbia V5G 4P2
Phone (604) 666-3350 or Fax (604) 666-3149

Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Operational Manager
510 Lagimodiere Blvd
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3Y1
Phone (204) 983-5490 or Fax (204) 984-2155

Ontario, Nunavut
Operational Manager
2301 Midland Ave.
Toronto, Ontario M1P 4R7
Phone (416) 973-1600 or Fax (416) 954-4583

Quebec
Operational Manager
1001 Rue St-Laurent Ouest
Longueuil, Quebec J4K 1C7
Phone (450) 646-1353 or Fax (450) 928-4455

Atlantic
Operational Manager
Suite 1625, 16th Floor
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3Y6
Phone (902) 426-2160 or Fax (902) 426-6676

Media Inquiries:
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991