Additional products seized from Calgary stores contain undeclared drug ingredients

Further to its recent Advisory, Health Canada has identified additional products seized from two Samson's Supplements stores in Calgary that pose a risk to health.

The labels on these products indicate they contain an ingredient (yohimbine) or a combination of ingredients (ephedrine and caffeine) that can cause serious health risks. None of the products are approved for sale in Canada. The products are promoted for bodybuilding purposes, including for weight loss and increased energy, or for sexual enhancement.

What consumers should do

• Consult with your doctor if you have used these products and have health concerns.
• Read the label of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label.
• Report any adverse events to Health Canada.

What Health Canada is doing:

Health Canada seized these products from two Samson's Supplements retail locations in the southwest of Calgary, Alberta (4515 Macleod Trail SW; and 1108 4th Street SW). Should additional retailers or distributors of this product be identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians.

Background:

These products contain ingredients that can cause serious health problems. MaHuang (also spelled MauHuang) is a source of ephedrine while Kola Nut and Guarana are sources of caffeine. Ephedrine and caffeine, when combined, may cause serious and possibly fatal adverse effects. Ephedrine taken in combination with caffeine can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness, tremors, headaches and irregularities in heart rate to seizures, psychosis, heart attacks and stroke. Canadians suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes are among those particularly at risk.

Yohimbine is a prescription drug and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. The use of any unauthorized drugs containing yohimbine (either as yohimbine hydrochloride or yohimbe bark extract) may result in serious adverse reactions, particularly in people with high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects associated with yohimbine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, headache, nausea and sleep disorders. It should not be used by children, pregnant or nursing women.

How to report side effects to health products to Health Canada:

• Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
• Visit MedEffect Canada's web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.