Foreign Product Alert

2007-133
September 28, 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

Khun-Phra

Date of alert	September 28, 2007
Source of Alert	Hong Kong Department of Health
Product Name	Khun-Phra
Manufacturer / Place of Origin	Manufacturer Unknown / Origin Unknown
Products Description	Khun-Phra is a health product promoted to treat arthritis and joint pain.
Reason for Warning	The Hong Kong Department of Health advised consumers not to use Khun-Phra because it contains the undeclared drugs dexamethasone, prednisolone, phenylbutazone, diazepam, cyproheptadine and mebhydrolin.   Dexamethasone, prednisolone and phenylbutazone are prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. Diazepam is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety and seizure disorders. These drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.    Cyproheptadine is a licensed, over-the-counter antihistamine.  It is also used to promote weight gain but should only be taken on the advice of a physician for this use.  Cyproheptadine should not be taken for prolonged periods of time without consulting with a physician. Mebhydrolin is an antihistamine that is not licensed in Canada.
Possible Side Effects	Use of dexamethasone and prednisolone may result in several side-effects including irregular heart beat, increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol, increased blood sugar, menstrual irregularities, suppression of growth in children, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, peptic ulcer, blood disorders, allergic skin reaction, muscle damage, seizures and hallucinations. Side-effects of diazepam can include dizziness, drowsiness, jaundice, depression, memory loss and seizures. Side-effects of phenylbutazone can include parotid gland enlargement, anemia and liver damage. Side-effects of cyproheptadine and mebhydrolin can include rash and hives.

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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.