Health Canada, Sep 2 2004
2004-45
September 2, 2004
Advisory
Health Canada Advises Consumers to Return Euro-K and Riva-K Potassium Chloride Products
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers of a
recall of potassium replacement products distributed in Canada by
EuroPharm International Canada Inc. and Laboratoire Riva Inc. Potassium
replacement products are used in the treatment and prevention of potassium
depletion. Recent testing has led to the conclusion that some of the
products released potassium at a rate or quantity lower or higher than
specified. The following products are being recalled: Euro-K 8, Euro-K 20,
Euro-K 600, Riva-K 8 SR, and Riva-K 20 SR.
As a precaution, Health Canada is advising consumers to return these
products to their pharmacists for a suitable alternative. Individuals with
heart, liver or kidney conditions, taking any of these products on the
advice of a physician should not stop taking these products but should
consult their physician to have their potassium status assessed.
Symptoms of potential adverse reactions to these products can vary
greatly between individuals, therefore, accurately predicting all of the
symptoms which may occur as a result of use is difficult. In many cases,
there may be no symptoms at all. However, in some cases, symptoms could
include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, and
muscle fatigue.
Euro-K and Riva-K products come in capsule and
tablet form. These products have been available to the public, without
prescription, from behind pharmacy counters. The name of the potassium
replacement product is written on the label of the container.
There have been no reports of adverse reactions related to the use of
these products in Canada. Health Canada became aware of the situation
associated with these products during routine site inspections.
The text in this article was prepared by Health Canada.