Warning
1998-93
November 27, 1998
Warning not to use CHUI FENG HUOH SUEH PIEN OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians not to use CHUI FENG HUOH SUEH PIEN manufactured by China National Medicines & Health Products Import and Export, China because it may contain unacceptable levels of strychnine and brucine, a derivative of strychnine. The Therapeutic Products Programme of Health Canada has analyzed this product and found unacceptable levels of strychnine and brucine. These levels represent a high risk of strychnine poisoning to individuals who use it, especially if used on a regular basis.
CHUI FENG HUOH SUEH PIEN is labelled to be used for " Rheumatic Pain; Back pain; Joint pain; Numbness of limbs" and is packaged in bottles containing 80 sugar coated tablets. Instructions for use are to ingest four pills once or twice a day. Strychnine is a potent convulsant. It can stimulate all levels of the central nervous system. Neurological symptoms may occur within 15 minutes and might include agitation, seizures, and painful muscle spasms. Deaths may result from respiratory failure and subsequent cardiac arrest. CHUI FENG HUOH SUEH PIEN may be distributed across Canada. Anyone currently using it should stop and immediately contact his/her physician. Health Canada is continuing its investigation into this product. 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. CHUI FENG HUOH SUEH PIEN 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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