Advisory - "Control-Max," an unauthorized product sold for sexual enhancement, may pose serious health risks

OTTAWA, Dec. 9, 2016 /CNW/ -

Issue
Health Canada is advising Canadians that the unauthorized product "Control-Max" may pose serious health risks as it is labelled to contain a prescription drug (yohimbine). The product was being sold online by the company RGR Canada Inc.

Who is affected

• Consumers who have bought or used the product.

Affected product

• Control-Max

What consumers should do

• Stop using this product. Consult with your health care professional if you have used this product and have health concerns.
• Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit DIN, DIN-HM or NPN. You can also check if products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
• Report adverse events to health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or by reporting online, by mail or by fax.

Background
Yohimbine is a prescription drug and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. The use of drugs containing yohimbine (either as yohimbine hydrochloride or yohimbe bark extract) may result in serious adverse reactions, particularly in people with high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects associated with yohimbine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, headache, nausea and sleep disorders. It should not be used by children, or pregnant or nursing women.

What Health Canada is doing
Health Canada has requested RGR Canada Inc. to recall the product. Health Canada will take additional action if necessary to prevent further sale of this product in Canada.

Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.

To learn more about natural health products and other self-care products, visit Canada.ca/selfcare-products.

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SOURCE Health Canada

PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2016/12/09/20161209_C2668_PDF_EN_835799.pdf

Media Enquiries: Health Canada, [phone] ; Public Enquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709