Warning
1998-84
November 12, 1998
Warning not to use Strongly Pill of Dental Protection OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use Strongly Pill of Dental Protection manufactured by China Medicine and Health Products Import and Export Corporation, Sichuan Branch, China because it may contain high levels of mercury. The Therapeutic Products Programme of Health Canada has analyzed this product and found unacceptable levels of mercury. These levels pose a high risk of mercury poisoning to adults who use it on a regular basis and a serious health hazard to unborn and breastfed children of women who use the product.
This product is labelled to be used for "protecting teeth, curing dental inflammation, nourishing kidneys, and enhancing vital energy" and is packaged in bottles containing 40 grams of small round brown pills. Instructions for use are to dissolve the content of one inner cap in water and ingest twice a day. Symptoms associated with acute mercury poisoning include gastrointestinal difficulties and possible kidney damage. Long-term exposure to mercury may cause mental deterioration, motor and sensory disturbances, and kidney failure. Strongly Pill of Dental Protection may be distributed across Canada. Anyone currently using it should stop and immediately contact his/her 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. Strongly Pill of Dental Protection has not been assessed by Health Canada and does not carry a DIN/GP number.
Media inquiries:
Peter Chan
Health Canada
(613) 941-3073 (office)
(613) 566-8345 (pager) Public Inquiries:
1-800-267-9675
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