Health Canada, April 10, 2006
2006-16
April 10, 2006
Advisory
Health Canada advises consumers not to use unapproved products containing yohimbine or yohimbe bark including Strauss Energy SIX capsules
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers not
to use unapproved products containing yohimbine or yohimbe bark,
including Strauss Energy SIX capsules. Yohimbine is a prescription
substance that can pose serious health risks for people with
underlying risk factors.
The use of any unapproved products containing yohimbine, that
have not been prescribed by a physician, may result in serious
adverse reactions, particularly in people with high blood pressure,
heart, kidney or liver disease.
Yohimbine should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, or
children. The potential for serious complications for those at risk
requires that yohimbine should be available only under medical
supervision.
The most consistently reported side effects associated with
yohimbine are anxiety and increased urinary frequency. Other
reported reactions include dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances,
headache, sweating, insomnia, tremors, palpitations and severe
hypertension.
One of the unapproved products found by Health Canada to contain
yohimbine is Strauss Energy SIX, manufactured by Strauss Herb
Company, of Kamloops B.C.
Strauss Energy SIX is not authorized for sale in Canada but is
promoted to increase energy levels, build body mass, and restore or
enhance sexual performance, and is available at retail outlets and
over the Internet. The manufacturer has refused to comply with
Health Canada’s request to stop selling the product. Health Canada
will take further action to remove the product from the market.
Consumers who have used Strauss Energy SIX or another product
containing yohimbine and have concerns about their health should
contact their physicians or health care practitioner.
The text in this article was prepared by Health Canada.