Health Canada is warning consumers about unauthorized health products that have been seized from a store in Richmond, B.C. These products have been labeled to contain prescription, controlled, or over-the-counter drugs and may pose serious health risks. Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal, as these products have not been approved by Health Canada for safety, efficacy, and quality. They could contain high-risk ingredients, such as prescription drugs, additives, or contaminants that may not be listed on the label. These ingredients can interact with other medications and foods, and the products may not actually contain the active ingredients they claim to have.
The seized products include Baibao Neng Gold A for Relief of Cold Symptoms, which contains an opioid. Opioid overdose is a medical emergency that could lead to death if left untreated. If an opioid overdose is suspected, it is important to call 911 and administer naloxone if available. It is advised to buy prescription drugs only from licensed pharmacies and buy authorized health products that have been approved for sale by Health Canada. These authorized health products will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN), or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).
The unauthorized products that have been seized include Baibao Neng Gold A for Relief of Cold Symptoms, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Iron + Folic Acid + Vitamin B12 Blood Supplement Tablets, Mentholatum Mediquick Eczema Rash Anti-Itch Cream, Mentholatum Mediquick Ointment, Nichiban Speel Ko, Ohta’s Isan A, Santen Beauteye Contact, Santen PC Eyedrops, and Smile 40EX Gold Cool MAX.
Each of these products has been labeled to contain certain drugs. Baibao Neng Gold A for Relief of Cold Symptoms has been labeled to contain dihydrocodeine phosphate, which is a controlled substance similar to the opioid codeine. Prescription drugs containing dihydrocodeine have not been authorized by Health Canada. The use of dihydrocodeine may lead to drug dependence and can cause slowed or stopped breathing, severe drowsiness, unconsciousness, and death in cases of overdose.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Iron + Folic Acid + Vitamin B12 Blood Supplement Tablets have been labeled to contain prescription-strength folic acid. It is important to use folic acid at doses over 1 mg per day only under the advice of a healthcare professional, as high doses of folic acid can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, changes to sleep, trouble concentrating, and more. It may also increase the risk of colorectal and other cancers in certain individuals.
Mentholatum Mediquick Eczema Rash Anti-Itch Cream and Mentholatum Mediquick Ointment have been labeled to contain prednisolone valerate acetate. Prednisolone valerate acetate is a prescription corticosteroid drug used to treat inflammation of the eye. It has not been approved for use in creams or ointments in Canada. Topical corticosteroids can cause side effects such as skin atrophy, skin blood vessel changes, stretch marks, dry skin, and more. Systemic side effects could include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, weakness, and swelling.
Nichiban Speel Ko has been labeled to contain salicylic acid, which is a prescription drug at concentrations greater than 20% or with a certain level of acidity. Salicylic acid is used for the treatment of warts, corns, and calluses, as well as acne. It should not be used by people who are allergic to salicylic acid.
Ohta’s Isan A has been labeled to contain ursodeoxycholic acid, which is used to aid digestion and relieve heartburn. Santen Beauteye Contact, Santen PC Eyedrops, and Smile 40EX Gold Cool MAX have all been labeled to contain neostigmine methylsulfate. Neostigmine methylsulfate is a prescription drug used for various medical conditions, but it has not been approved for use in eye drops in Canada. The use of drugs similar to neostigmine for the treatment of glaucoma can cause several eye-related side effects, including blurred vision, headaches, red eyes, cataracts, and more.
It is important to not use these unauthorized products and to return them to a local pharmacy for proper disposal. If you have used any of these products and have health concerns, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional.