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Health Canada Health products

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

Issued April 9, 2014
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.
Hazard description
Undeclared substance
What to 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 .