Advisory
2003-41
June 6, 2003
For immediate release
Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use Empowerplus
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers not to use Empowerplus, also known as EM Power+ and EM Power. It is a drug - being sold by the company Truehope Nutritional Support Limited (also known as Synergy) - which has not been approved for sale in Canada. Health Canada is the federal government regulatory body that authorizes the manufacture and sale of all drugs in this country.
Health Canada has identified risks associated with the use of Empowerplus. The safety and efficacy of Empowerplus has not been shown. The drug is being sold to treat serious disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, autism, Tourette's syndrome, fibromyalgia and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Serious central nervous system conditions are best treated under the supervision of a health care provider. These serious disorders should not be self-medicated or self-diagnosed.
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 effectiveness of treatment. In order that consumers can distinguish between approved and non-approved drugs in Canada, all approved drugs sold in this country carry an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label.
While this product has not been found in retail stores in Canada, it is being shipped to Canadian consumers following orders taken by TrueHope. Health Canada has a directive on personal importation of drugs. The directive can be found at:
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/branch-dirgen/hpfb-dgpsa/hpfi-ipsa/index_e.html
Health Canada reminds consumers of the importance of discussing the use of any non-prescription drugs, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products, with their health care provider. This may include a physician, pharmacist or complementary or alternative practitioner.
Health Canada recognizes the difficult circumstances faced by people with serious central nervous system conditions, and understands that some may have been using Empowerplus. In recognition of the seriousness of this issue, Health Canada is working to provide these individuals with appropriate referral options to health care professionals and services, by setting up a toll-free health assistance referral line. That number is 1-800 504-4156.
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For more information:
Ryan Baker
Health Canada
(613) 954-4807
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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