Warning

1996-65
September 6, 1996

Warning not to use East Indian herbal medicine K 4

OTTAWA - The Health Protection Branch (HPB) of Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the traditional East Indian medicine K 4. This herbal medicine, used to treat prostate symptoms, is implicated in four illnesses in New Zealand, including two deaths.

While K 4 has not been approved for sale in Canada or the U.S., Health Canada is concerned that it may be found in some herbal medicine and health food stores or have been sold by mail order, or purchased by travellers abroad.

The warning is being issued as a precautionary measure to members of the East Indian community, to Ayurvedic medical clinics and to practitioners of traditional East Indian medicine. The Branch has advised the Canadian Health Food Association, the Naturopathic Practitioners Association, the Canadian Medical Association, and through the regional offices of HPB, poison control centres.

K 4, which is manufactured in India is a combination of botanical ingredients sold in a tablet form. Anyone having this product should contact the nearest HPB office. Anyone using K 4 should stop taking the drug immediately and contact their doctor if they are feeling ill.

Consumers are advised that any medicine assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness, and quality will carry an eight digit Drug Identification Number (D.I.N.) or General Public (G.P.) number on the label. Health Canada has not approved any product for self-medication that is indicated in the treatment or prevention of diseases of the prostate.

Information:
Bruce Wozny
Health Canada
(613) 791-3105