Warning
1999-129
November 3, 1999
Warning not to use products containing aristolochia due to potential risk of cancer, cell changes and kidney failure
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers not to use manufactured products containing Aristolochia without discussing this with their health care providers. Aristolochia is an herb which produces Aristolochic Acid and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Aristolochic Acid can cause cancer, mutations in human cells and is known to cause end-stage kidney failure.
Products labelled to contain MuTong may also contain Aristolochic Acid. MuTong refers to a number of herbs, Stephania, Clematis, Akebia and Aristolochia, which are used interchangeably in Traditional Chinese Medicines. Consumers wishing to use products labelled to contain MuTong should contact their health care providers for advice.
The following products have been analysed by Health Canada and found to contain Aristolochic Acid. Consequently, retailers, manufacturers and importers are being asked to discontinue the sale of these products. Consumers who have purchased such products may wish to return them to their point of purchase at their own discretion.
- Lishih Brand Touku Natural Herbal Rheumatic Pills:
- Box with red packaging and skeletal person on front / white bottle with red label and yellow stripe at top / black coloured pills.
- Picture of this product
- Star Ring Brand Tri-Snakegall & Fritillary Powder:
- Quangzhou Qixing Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China
- Box / bottle with green packaging, red writing and a circle logo in corner / brown coloured powder
- Picture of this product
- Yang Cheng Brand Tri-Snakegall & Fritillary Powder:
- The United Pharmaceutical Manufactory, Ghangzhou, China
- Green box / bottle with red writing and star&circle; logo in corner / brown coloured powder
- Picture of this product
- Shun Chi Wan Tracheitis Pills:
- Beijing Tung Jen Tang, Beijing, China
- Yellow packaging with red lettering and white stripe at bottom / white coloured pills
- Picture of this product
- 707 Wei Yao Gastropathy Capsules:
- Zhengjiang Chinese Medicine Works, Kiangsu, China
- Box / bottle with blue & white packaging, gold lettering / red coloured capsules
- Picture of this product
There have been numerous international reports of death or injury from kidney failure due to ingestion of products found to contain Aristolochic Acid. Reported incidences were associated with substitutions of Aristolochia for other herbs, herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) not being prescribed by trained TCM practitioners and TCM herbs being prescribed in conjunction with Western drugs.
To date, no incidences of this nature have been reported in Canada.
This warning will be distributed to the Chamber of Chinese Herbal Medicines of Canada, associations of Chinese importers and Ayurvedic medicine, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association of Canada, Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health, Poison Control Centres and other relevant associations.
Consumers are advised that any medicine assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality will carry an eight digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label.
Media inquiries:
Marie Morrisey
Health Canada
Pager: 613-566-8345
Health Canada Regional Offices:
Atlantic Region 902-426-6129
Quebec Region 450-646-1353 ext 232
Ontario Region 416-973-1466
Central Region (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) 204-983-5453
Western Region (Alberta, British Columbia) 604-666-3498
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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