Health Canada, Nov 9, 2005
2005-121
November 9, 2005
Advisory
Health Canada advises consumers not to use certain herbal weight loss products from China
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning
consumers not to use certain weight loss products from China because
they have been found to contain sibutramine, a prescription
medication that should only be taken under medical supervision.
The products in question are RS Slim & Fit, Xianting
Qianzhisu, Menze Qianweisu, Shou Shen Dan-Xiao Nan Wan, Kartien
Slimming Herbs Capsules, and Kartien Trimming Formula.
None of these products are approved for sale in Canada, and so
far have not been found on the Canadian market. While the Hong Kong
Government has recalled these products, some might still be
available on the market there. Canadians travelling to Asia are
therefore warned against purchasing any of these products.
Sibutramine is a prescribed medication used for weight loss and
should only be taken under the guidance of a health care
professional. If used improperly, it could have serious health
consequences, including eye pain and eye hemorrhage, increased heart
rate and raised blood pressure. People with heart or circulatory
system problems should not take sibutramine. It should also not be
taken with antidepressants or other medications that can affect the
level of serotonin in the brain.
Consumers who are currently using any of these herbal weight loss
products should stop taking the product immediately. Current and
former users who are concerned about their health should contact
their health care professional for advice.
Canadians should only use drugs and natural health products that
have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized drugs and
natural health products will bear either an eight-digit Drug
Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a
Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). This authorization indicates that
the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety,
effectiveness and quality.
The text in this article was prepared by Health Canada.