Warning
1998-77
October 28, 1998
Warning not to use Shenling Baizhupian tablets, Rheumatic Pain Killer tablets, or Antidon ointment OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use three products manufactured in China because they may contain high levels of heavy metals. The three products are:
- SHENLING BAIZHUPIAN, tablets manufactured by Xian Traditional Chinese Drug Works of Shaanxi Province, Xian, China mainly as a treatment for gastrointestinal problems;
- RHEUMATIC PAIN KILLER, tablets manufactured in Heiloongjiang, China mainly as a treatment for pain associated with arthritis; and
- ANTIDON, an ointment manufactured by The United Pharmaceutical Manufactory, in Kwang Chow, China mainly used for skin problems.
The Therapeutic Products Programme of Health Canada has analysed these products and found unacceptable levels of arsenic in all three. High levels of lead and cadmium have also been found in ANTIDON ointment.
Any of the following symptoms can be associated with the presence of arsenic in these three products: gastro-intestinal symptoms, muscle pain and cramps. Long-term exposure to arsenic may cause dermal lesions and peripheral neuropathy, and may induce cancer. ANTIDON also contains cadmium and lead. Signs of acute cadmium poisoning include headaches, nausea and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to cadmium may cause back pain and spontaneous fracture of the bone, as well as renal dysfunction. Symptoms of acute lead intoxication include irritability, poor attention span, headaches, hallucinations and loss of memory. Chronic lead poisoning could also include irritability and headaches, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms and renal disease. These products may be distributed across Canada. Anyone currently using any of these products should stop using them and contact immediately their physician. Health Canada is continuing its investigation into these products. Consumers are reminded that medications which have been assessed for safety, effectiveness, and quality will carry an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or General Product (GP) number on the label. SHENLING BAIZHUPIAN, RHEUMATIC PAIN KILLER, and ANTIDON have not been assessed by Health Canada and do not carry a DIN/GP number.
Information:
Peter Chan
Health Canada
(613) 566-8345 (pager)
(613) 548-3605 (October 29 and 30, 1998 only)
(613) 941-3073 (after Oct. 30)
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