Advisory - Potentially dangerous weight-loss product seized from U-Box store in Burnaby, BC

OTTAWA, April 9, 2014 /CNW/ -

The issue:

Health Canada has seized the unauthorized drug, "L-Showm Weight Loss Pills", being sold at the U-Box store, located at 2809-4500 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC. Health Canada testing found that it contained an undisclosed ingredient, phenolphthalein.

Phenolphthalein, which was previously used as a laxative, is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer. Additional side-effects associated with phenolphthalein include decreased blood pressure, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Who is affected:

Canadians who have used or purchased "L-Showm Weight Loss Pills". Health Canada has not received any reports of adverse reactions associated with the use of "L-Showm Weight Loss Pills."

What consumers should do:

• Speak to your healthcare practitioner about any questions or concerns regarding this product.
• Read the label of the products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label. 
• Report any adverse events using this product to Health Canada

What Health Canada is doing:

Health Canada is testing additional weight management products sampled nationally as part of a proactive compliance monitoring activity. Should testing results identify additional products that pose a risk to Canadians, the department will take action and inform Canadians.

For more information:

Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.

Products affected:
L-Showm Weight Loss Pills

How to report side effects of health products to Health Canada:

• Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
• Visit MedEffect Canada's web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.

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

PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/04/09/20140409_C9205_DOC_EN_39062.pdf

SOURCE: Health Canada

Media Enquiries: 
Health Canada
[phone]

Public Enquiries:
[phone]
1-866 225-0709

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