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Advisory on Certain Herbal Weight Loss Products From China |
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Written by Health Canada
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Wednesday, 09 November 2005 |
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Nov. 9 - 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. 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.
 The products in question are:
- RS Slim & Fit Xianting Qianzhisu
- Menze Qianweisu
- Shou Shen Dan-Xiao Nan Wan
- Kartien Slimming Herbs Capsules
- Kartien Trimming Formula
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.
Members of the public are encouraged to inform Health Canada if they are aware of the sale of any of these herbal slimming products. The toll-free number for calls to the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate is 1-800-267-9675.
To date, no adverse reactions from the use of these products have been reported in Canada. |
