Public advisory

Unauthorized products may pose serious health risks (October 21, 2020)

Starting date:
October 21, 2020
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs, Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Identification number:
RA-74169

Last updated: 2020-11-23

Summary

  • Product: Various unauthorized health products promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, as a workout aid, as "poppers," or for lightening skin or treating skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis).
  • Issue: Products may contain dangerous ingredients such as prescription drugs that are not listed on the label, or the label may indicate a dangerous ingredient or combination of ingredients. 
  • What to do: Stop using these products and consult your healthcare professional if you have health concerns. Report these or any unauthorized health products to Health Canada.

Issue

Health Canada is advising Canadians about unauthorized health products that may pose serious health risks. The table below is updated when Health Canada finds unauthorized health products that are promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, as a workout aid, or as "poppers," and that are labelled to contain or have been tested and found to contain dangerous ingredients. Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.

Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality. Unauthorized health products can pose many health dangers, including:

  • They may contain ingredients not listed on the label. This includes ingredients like prescription drugs, possibly at doses exceeding maximum recommended amounts. Prescription drugs should be taken only under the supervision of a health care professional because they may cause serious side effects. Using a product that contains ingredients that the consumer is not aware of increases the chance of dangerous allergies and interactions with other medications and foods.
  • The label may indicate a dangerous ingredient or combination of ingredients. For example, it could list a drug that should be available only by prescription from a health care professional, or a combination of ingredients that Health Canada does not permit because of serious health risks.

Health Canada maintains this page so that Canadians can easily identify products they may have purchased and take appropriate action. Canadians are encouraged to check back regularly for updates. Advisories on safety issues involving other types of products are available in the recalls and safety alerts database.

What you should do

  • Stop using the products listed below. Consult your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns, and for advice on which health products are best for you and your family.
  • Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). 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 any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.
  • See the additional information on buying health products safely in the helpful links below.

What companies should know:

  • Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal.
  • When Health Canada identifies unauthorized products that may pose serious health risks, Health Canada takes appropriate action to prevent further distribution and informs Canadians. This includes working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent further importation of unauthorized products.

Background

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an herbal product, which contain alkaloidal isolate such as mitragynine, that may pose serious health risks when swallowed or inhaled. Side effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, liver toxicity and excessively rapid heartbeat. Kratom has been linked to both narcotic and stimulant-like effects, and has potential for abuse and dependence.

"Poppers" is a slang term for products that contain alkyl nitrites. Despite being labelled for various uses such as leather cleaners, room odourizers or liquid incense, these products are inhaled or ingested by consumers for recreational purposes. Alkyl nitrites, such as amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite, are prescription drugs and should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Products containing alkyl nitrites may pose serious risks, including death, depending on the amount used, how frequently they are used and how long they are used for, as well as the person's health and the other medications they may be taking. Since it is difficult to control how much is inhaled, people can accidentally overdose. Swallowing these products can lead to serious medical complications and may be fatal. People with certain medical conditions (including recent head trauma, bleeding into the head, glaucoma, or heart disease) and those taking certain medications (particularly drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, and other drugs such as high blood pressure medications, certain migraine drugs, and high doses of aspirin) or illicit drugs are at particular risk.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Desmethyl carbodenafil and dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil, and Hydroxythiohomosildenafil are unauthorized substances that are similar to sildenafil and may pose similar health risks.

Tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) since it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Aminotadalafil is an unauthorized substance that is similar to tadalafil and may pose similar health risks.

Testosterone compounds, such as testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, testosterone canoate, testosterone enanthate, and testosterone decanoate, are anabolic steroids, synthetic derivatives of testosterone. They have been linked to many significant health risks, some of which are permanent and even fatal. Side effects include heart disease (including heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke); water retention (with swelling of ankles and feet, shortness of breath, and weight gain); mental health problems (including anxiety, depression, or aggressive behaviour);changes in libido (sex drive); acne; breathing problems (sleep apnea); kidney disease;high blood calcium levels (with vomiting, stomach pain, increased thirst or urination, muscle pain or weakness, or joint pain); and high blood fat levels. In addition, in men, side effects include decreased sperm production, decreased testicle size, infertility, trouble urinating, too frequent or prolonged erections, enlarged prostate, breast swelling, and unusual penis growth (before puberty). In women, it can cause male characteristics such as an increase in facial hair growth, male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice and menstrual irregularities. In children, bone growth may be affected. Use of testosterone compounds may also be habit-forming. These compounds should not be taken by people with breast or prostate cancer, heart disease, advanced kidney disease, high blood calcium or fat levels, a history of stroke or blood clots, diabetes (may cause low blood sugar) and by pregnant women (may affect the baby). Use is not recommended while breast-feeding.

Yohimbine is a prescription drug and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Yohimbine is derived from yohimbe, a bark extract. The use of yohimbine or yohimbe may result in serious adverse reactions particularly in people with high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects 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.

Affected products

Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.  

Product description

Unauthorized health products
Photo Product & Promoted Use Hazard Identified Company Action Taken Date Added
Rhino 15 gum
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil A & J Variety 324 Rawdon St. Brantford, ON Seized from the retail location October 21, 2020
Black Panther Extreme 25000
Sexual enhancement
Product was previously tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil. Dundas West. Convenience 5449 Dundas St. W, Etobicoke, ON Seized from the retail location October 21, 2020
Elephant 9000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Dundas West. Convenience 5449 Dundas St. W, Etobicoke, ON Seized from the retail location October 21, 2020
Wild Bull Gold Extreme
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil, tadalafil and testosterone propionate Dundas West. Convenience 5449 Dundas St. W, Etobicoke, ON Seized from the retail location October 21, 2020
Rhino 69 Platinum 35000
Sexual enhancement
Product was previously tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Dundas West. Convenience 5449 Dundas St. W, Etobicoke, ON Seized from the retail location October 21, 2020
Rhino 69 Platinum 35000
Sexual enhancement
Product was previously tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Lucky's Variety & Coin Laundry 81 Stanley St. Brantford, ON Seized from the retail location October 21, 2020
3800 Hard Rock
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bear Food Mart 159 Highland Rd E Kitchener, ON Retailer removed the product from shelves October 21, 2020
Rhino 25 Titanium 200K
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Dairy Jug 3884 Bloor St. W Etobicoke, ON Seized from the retail location October 21, 2020
Black Panther
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Hoffman Mini Mart 124 Hoffman St. Kitchener, ON Retailer removed the product from shelves October 21, 2020
Maximum Power Bang All Night Long
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil Hoffman Mini Mart 124 Hoffman St. Kitchener, ON Retailer removed the product from shelves October 21, 2020
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbe Hoffman Mini Mart 124 Hoffman St. Kitchener, ON Retailer removed the product from shelves October 21, 2020
3800 Hard Rock
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Stop 2 Shop 101 Hazelglen Dr Unit 3A Kitchener, ON Retailer removed the product from shelves October 21, 2020
Rush
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain isobutyl nitrite Adult Source 10210 Macleod Tr S Calgary, AB Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Jungle Juice Platinum
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain isobutyl nitrite Adult Source 10210 Macleod Tr S Calgary, AB Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
ResERECTION
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Rhino
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain Aminotadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Alien 2 Power Platinum 11 000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain Aminotadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Black Panther Platinum 30K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain Yohimbine La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Double Diamond - Works Wonder
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain sildenafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Atomic 41,000 MG
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Eruption 35000 MG
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Gold Lion Gold Label 3000 MG
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain Sildenafil and Hydroxythiohomosildenafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Go-Rilla Formula
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain Hydroxythiohomosildenafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Jaguar 3000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized from another retailer was tested and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Lipstick 12,000 MG
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain Mitragynine La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Lucky Lady
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Master Zone 1500
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Poseidon Platinum 3500
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Red Shoe 1,200 mg
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain Mitragynine La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Titanium 4000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil and Sildenafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Rhino 25 Platinum 35000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Rhino 69 Platinum 15000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Rhino 7 platinum 5000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Slam 29,000 MG
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Spanish Fly 20.000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Super Panther 7K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain Yohimbine La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Titanium 4000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil and Sildenafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Rhino 69 Platinum 35000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020
Spanish Fly 22.000
Sexual enhancement
Product was tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil La boutique Sexy et cie - La Capoterie 2061 rue St-Denis Montréal, QC Seized from retail location October 21, 2020

 


Advisory

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