Herbal Supplement Warning!

[Guest guest]

Just heard this on the news. From the Health Canada Website:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/protection/warnings/2002/2002_46e.htm

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June 19, 2002

For immediate release

Warning

Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use seven herbal supplements:

Arthrin, Osporo, Poena, Neutralis, Oa Plus, Ra Spes and Hepastat

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use seven herbal products

manufactured in the United States by BotanicLab because they contain

undeclared prescription drugs that could cause serious health effects if not

taken under medical supervision.

The undeclared prescription drugs are:

Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with marked pain-killing

and fever-fighting properties. Indomethacin is not to be used in patients

with gastrointestinal problems and is known to interact with many other

drugs. Combined use of indomethacin and ASA is also not recommended.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a nonsteroidal estrogen and is known to be a human

carcinogen. Any undisclosed amount of DES in a product is hazardous. No

amount is acceptable for consumption.

Alprazolam, an anti-anxiety drug sold under various brand names in Canada.

Alprazolam exacerbates the effects of alcohol and other sedating drugs and

can be addictive.

The herbal products in which the undeclared prescription drugs are found are

marketed as Traditional Chinese Medicines for different indications as shown

below:

Arthrin Capsules: contains undeclared indomethacin, DES, and alprazolam,

marketed for " supporting joint movement " .

Osporo Capsules: contains undeclared indomethacin and DES, marketed for " a

healthy skeletal system " .

Poena Capsules: contains undeclared indomethacin, marketed for " relaxing

muscles; supporting tissues " .

Neutralis Capsules: contains undeclared indomethacin, marketed as " immune

system formula " .

5OA Plus Capsules: contains undeclared indomethacin and alprazolam, marketed

for " soothing joints and tendons " .

RA Spes Capsules: contains undeclared indomethacin and alprazolam, marketed

for " promoting flexibility and extension " .

Hepastat Capsules: contains undeclared indomethacin, marketed as " liver

formula, detoxifying and protecting the liver " .

The capsules are sold by mail, over the phone and on the Internet, as well

as by various distributors and health care professionals.

Health Canada advises those who have taken these products to stop doing so

and consult their health care practitioner.

Health Canada is working with importers to recall any remaining products in

Canada.

Consumers are advised only to use drug products that carry an eight-digit

Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label. The DIN indicates that Health

Canada has assessed the product for safety, effectiveness and quality, and

has authorized it for sale in Canada.

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Baker

Health Canada

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