Warning

2002-06
February 8, 2002

Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use the herbal supplements PC SPES and SPES

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use PC SPES and SPES, two herbal products manufactured in the United States by BotanicLab. These products were tested in the United States by the California Department of Health Services and were found to contain active ingredients for the prescription drugs warfarin and alprazolam. BotanicLab, the manufacturer is recalling these products in Canada.

Consumers are warned to stop using these herbal products PC SPES and SPES capsules because they contain undeclared prescription drug ingredients that could cause serious health effects if not taken under medical supervision. Laboratory analysis of the products by the California Department of Health Services found PC SPES contains warfarin and SPES contains alprazolam, which are available only by prescription. PC SPES and SPES are respectively marketed "for prostate health" and strengthening the immune system.

Warfarin, a powerful blood thinner often sold under the brand names Coumadin, Taro-Warfarin and Apo-Warfarin can cause serious bleeding, especially if taken together with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or certain other drugs, and thus should be used under a doctor's care with regular blood testing. Individuals who are currently taking anticoagulant drugs or have clotting or bleeding problems may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety drug sold under various brand names in Canada. Alprazolam exacerbates the effects of alcohol and other sedating drugs and may be habit-forming.

The capsules are sold by mail, phone and Internet, as well as by various distributors and health care professionals.

Health Canada advises all individuals who may have used these products to stop consuming them and consult their health care practitioner.

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Health Canada
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