06.01.06
Health Canada Issues Warnings
Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, says companies currently awaiting a product license should NOT label their products with the statement “NPN (Natural Product Numbers) Pending.” Those companies that have already labeled their products in this manner should not include this statement on future shipments, lots and batches. Health Canada believes including this statement on the label gives a false im-pression to consumers that the product will be authorized for sale by Health Canada when in fact it may not, should the NHPD’s assessment conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the product’s safety and efficacy. The designation “NPN” should only appear on the labels of natural health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada.
Health Canada has also advised consumers not to use two herbal weight loss products from China—Super Fat Burning and LiDa Daidaihua Slimming Capsules—because they have been found to contain sibutramine, a prescription medication that should only be taken under medical supervision. Sibutramine is a prescription medication that suppresses the appetite. If used improperly, it can have serious health consequences, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increased pressure to the eyes causing pain and hemorrhaging. Individuals with heart or circulatory problems should not take sibutramine and it should also not be taken with medications such as antidepressants, which can affect the level of hormone serotonin in the brain.
Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, says companies currently awaiting a product license should NOT label their products with the statement “NPN (Natural Product Numbers) Pending.” Those companies that have already labeled their products in this manner should not include this statement on future shipments, lots and batches. Health Canada believes including this statement on the label gives a false im-pression to consumers that the product will be authorized for sale by Health Canada when in fact it may not, should the NHPD’s assessment conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the product’s safety and efficacy. The designation “NPN” should only appear on the labels of natural health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada.
Health Canada has also advised consumers not to use two herbal weight loss products from China—Super Fat Burning and LiDa Daidaihua Slimming Capsules—because they have been found to contain sibutramine, a prescription medication that should only be taken under medical supervision. Sibutramine is a prescription medication that suppresses the appetite. If used improperly, it can have serious health consequences, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increased pressure to the eyes causing pain and hemorrhaging. Individuals with heart or circulatory problems should not take sibutramine and it should also not be taken with medications such as antidepressants, which can affect the level of hormone serotonin in the brain.