Warning
1998-101
December 11, 1998
Warning not to use Niuhuang Xhiaoyanwan, or Ansenpunaw tablets (also known as Anshen Bunao Pian) OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use two products manufactured in China because they may contain high levels of heavy metals. The two products are:
- Niuhuang Xhiaoyanwan Pills, manufactured by Suzhou Lei Yun Shang Chinese Medicine Works, Jiangsu, China, mainly used as a treatment for swelling, sore throat, carbuncle, abscess, and furuncle.
- Ansenpunaw Tablets (also known as Anshen Bunao Pian), tablets manufactured by Chung Lien Drug Works, Hankow, China. Label claims are for use as a brain tonic and sedative medicine.
The Therapeutic Products Programme of Health Canada has analysed these products and found unacceptable levels of mercury. These levels pose a high risk of mercury poisoning to adults who use it on a regular basis and a serious health hazard to unborn and breastfed children of women who use the product.
Symptoms associated with acute mercury poisoning include gastrointestinal difficulties and possible kidney damage. Long-term exposure to mercury may cause mental deterioration, motor and sensory disturbances, and kidney failure. These products may be distributed across Canada. Anyone currently using either of these products should stop using them and contact their physician. Health Canada is continuing its investigation into these products. Consumers are reminded that medications which have been assessed for safety, effectiveness, and quality will carry an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or General Product (GP) number on the label. Niuhuang Xhiaoyanwan Pills and Ansenpunaw Tablets (also known as Anshen Bunao Pian) have not been assessed by Health Canada and do not carry a DIN/GP number.
Photograph of product
Media inquiries:
Peter Chan
Health Canada
(613) 566-8345 (pager) Public Inquiries:
1-800-267-9675
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