Foreign Product Alert
2007-121
September 13, 2007
For immediate release
Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the following product listed in the table below due to concerns about possible side-effects. More info
Qiangli Zhuanggutongbiling (originally named Fufang Zhuangguguanjiewan)
| Date of alert |
September 13, 2007 |
| Source of Alert |
Hong Kong Department of Health |
| Product Name |
Qiangli Zhuanggutongbiling (originally named Fufang Zhuangguguanjiewan) |
| Manufacturer / Place of Origin |
Unknown/Hong Kong |
| Products Description |
Qiangli Zhuanggutongbiling has reportedly been used for joint pain and stiffness. The blue and white capsules are packaged in white bottle with a yellow label.
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| Reason for Warning |
The Hong Kong Department of Health advised the public not to use the health product Qiangli Zhuanggutongbiling (originally named Fufang Zhuangguguanjiewan) because it was found to contain the prescription drugs prednisolone acetate, cortisone acetate, piroxicam, and diclofenac.
Prescription drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional. |
| Possible Side Effects |
Consumers who use Qiangli Zhuanggutongbiling may experience adverse effects associated with diclofenac and piroxicam, two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used for pain relief. Adverse effects include
gastrointestinal disorders and fluid retention. Use of diclofenac and piroxicam is not recommended for certain individuals, including those taking diuretics, acetaminophen, methotrexate (a drug used in cancer treatment), and anticoagulants (medications used to prevent blood clotting). Additionally, the combined use of diclofenac and steroid hormones may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. |
Prednisone acetate and cortisone acetate are corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions, used for the treatment of several different health conditions, including endocrine disorders, rheumatic disorders, skin diseases and allergic conditions. Use of prednisone acetate and cortisone acetate may cause adrenal suppression (reduced ability to produce hormones that assist the body in responding to stress). Use of these drugs may also cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance and gastrointestinal complications.
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Media Inquiries:
Alastair Sinclair
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
This product is not authorized for sale in Canada and has not been found in the Canadian marketplace. However, it is possible this product could be purchased by Canadians travelling abroad or has been brought into Canada through personal importation by travellers or purchased over the Internet.
Canadians who have this product are advised not to use it, and should consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of this product.
Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.
Health Canada advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find the product listed in the table in the Canadian marketplace.
For more information about the information contained in this advisory, please contact Health Canada's public inquiries line at (613) 957-2991 or toll-free at 1-866-225-0709.
As of the date of this posting, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of this product have been reported in Canada.
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