Multiple unauthorized L-tryptophan and lithium orotate products sold on amazon.ca may pose serious health risks

Health Canada is advising Canadians that multiple unauthorized products labelled to contain L‑tryptophan or lithium orotate were being sold on amazon.ca, and may pose serious health risks. L‑tryptophan (at doses higher than 220 mg per day) and lithium orotate are prescription drugs in Canada and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. All drug products sold in Canada, including those sold over the Internet, must be approved for sale by Health Canada. Taking drugs that have not been authorized by Health Canada may pose serious health risks as they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness or quality. Prescription drugs should be obtained only from pharmacies that are licensed by the applicable province or territory in which they operate. Consumers who take a prescription drug without being examined and monitored by a health care professional may not receive appropriate treatment. They may also put themselves at risk for harmful drug interactions and dangerous side effects.

Individuals taking these products should consult with their health care professional to receive advice on safely discontinuing use of these products, and on appropriate treatment for their medical condition. 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 whether 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 . Report complaints about health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-800-267-9675, or complete an online complaint form .