Unauthorized health products seized from three herbal medicine stores in Calgary, Alberta

UPDATE (June 15, 2022): Health Canada is warning consumers about additional unauthorized products seized from three herbal medicine stores in Calgary, Alberta, after testing found they contain drugs that are not listed on the product label, which may pose serious health risks. The products are promoted for sexual enhancement. Please refer to the Affected Products table and Background section, which have been updated to include the added products and associated health risks. Original Advisory (April 22, 2022): Health Canada is warning consumers not to use unauthorized health products seized from three herbal medicine stores in Calgary, Alberta, because they are labelled to contain prescription drugs and may pose serious health risks. The products include skin cream, eye ointment and sexual enhancement tablets. Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal. Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, efficacy and quality and may pose a range of serious health risks. For example, they could contain high-risk ingredients, such as prescription drugs, additives or contaminants that may or may not be listed on the label. These ingredients could interact with other medications and foods. In addition, the product may lack the active ingredients Canadians would expect them to contain to help maintain and improve their health. Prescription drugs should only be used under the advice and supervision of a health care professional because they are used to treat specific conditions and may cause serious side effects. Prescription drugs can only be legally sold with a prescription. If any new health risks are identified, Health Canada will take action and inform Canadians as needed. Health Canada maintains a list of certain unauthorized health products that may pose serious health risks so that Canadians can easily identify those they may have purchased and take appropriate action. Canadians are encouraged to check back regularly for updates.

Product safety - Unauthorized product

Do not use these products. Consult a health care professional if you have used any of these products 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 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 any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.

Unauthorized skin cream, eye ointment and sexual enhancement products seized from three herbal medicine stores in Calgary, Alberta. [UPDATED June 16, 2022, to add products]

RA-64103