Warning

1999-143
December 2, 1999

Health Canada issues warning on products containing Tiratricol (TRIAC)

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers who use products containing an ingredient called Tiratricol (TRIAC), a potent thyroid hormone, to stop using the product immediately and to consult their physician, especially if they are experiencing any adverse effects including insomnia, nervousness, sweating and diarrhea. Products containing Tiratricol are not approved for sale in Canada and their use as a dietary supplement for weight loss may cause serious health risks, including heart attacks and strokes.

Products containing Tiratricol are being sold through the Internet as dietary supplements for weight-loss purposes. Examples include Triax Metabolic Accelerator, which is sold by Syntrax Innovations Inc., Missouri, USA and T3 Metabolite, which is sold by Mass Quantities, New York, USA. Other companies may also be involved in Internet sales of these products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently learned of several individuals who were found to have abnormal thyroid function test results while using Triax. No adverse drug reactions have been reported in Canada.

Health Canada is also advising the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association and the provincial ministries of health of the dangers associated with the use of the substance Tiratricol. Consumers should note that all drug products approved for sale in Canada carry an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label.

Media inquiries:
Rachel Dansereau
Health Canada
(613) 566-8345

Health Canada regional offices

Atlantic region 902-426-2606 kkkk
Quebec region 450-646-1353
Ontario region 416-973-7862
Manitoba and Saskatchewan 204-983-5451
Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Yukon 604-666-3704

Public inquiries:
(613) 957-2991