Health Canada, August 21, 2008
2008-145
August 21, 2008
Advisory
Health Canada Advises Consumers Not to Use Life Choice Ephedrine HCL and Life Choice Kava Kava
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the
two unauthorized natural health products, Life Choice Ephedrine
HCL and Life Choice Kava Kava because they are not approved
by Health Canada, and may cause serious adverse health effects including
death.
Life Choice Ephedrine HCL 30mg capsules are packaged in bottles containing 60
capsules, and the label is depicted in the picture shown below. Life Choice
Ephedrine HCL contains an excessive amount of ephedrine and
when used, alone, or in combination with caffeine or other stimulants for the
unauthorized purposes of weight loss, body building, athletic performance or
increased energy, may cause serious, potentially fatal adverse health effects.
In addition, Health Canada has found this product to be contaminated with
bacteria which could cause serious and irreversible adverse health effects,
including death. Individuals with a compromised immune system, infants, the
elderly, or those with an underlying disease or condition are particularly
susceptible.
Consumers should not use Ephedra/ephedrine products other than for the
approved indication of nasal decongestion. Use of products containing ephedrine
is not recommended in people with heart problems, hypertension, thyroid disease,
diabetes, enlarged prostate, anxiety and restlessness, glaucoma (serious eye
disorder) and pheochromocytoma (serious gland disorder) because
Ephedra/ephedrine aggravates these conditions. These products should
also be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Life Choice Kava Kava, 150mg capsules are
packaged in bottles containing 60 capsules, and the label is depicted in the
picture shown below. Products containing kava have been associated with serious
liver dysfunction and, as a result Health Canada has had a stop sale order in
effect since August 2002.
Individuals who have compromised liver function related to disease, age, or
drug/alcohol abuse may be at particular risk of liver toxicity associated with
kava use.
In addition to liver toxicity, kava use has also been associated with adverse
health effects that include an itchy, scaly skin condition, known as kava
dermopathy, muscle weakness, and coordination problems.
Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will
have 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 consumers who are using Life Choice Ephedrine
HCL and/or Life Choice Kava Kava to immediately stop doing so
and consult their health care practitioner if they are concerned about their
health. Consumers who have purchased these products should return them to the
place of purchase.
Health Canada is taking measures to prevent these products from entering the
Canadian market.
Health Canada has previously warned
consumers against the use of unauthorized Ephedra/ephedrine-containing products
in Canada, in 2005 and 2006,
due to the risk of serious adverse effects. Health Canada has also previously
warned consumers against the use of kava products in Canada, in 2002 and 2003,
due to the risk of serious adverse effects.
The text in this article was prepared by Health Canada.