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Foreign product alert

Foreign Product Alerts: JIN LONG Snakes Bones Rheumatic Capsules

Starting date:
September 5, 2014
Type of communication:
Foreign Product Alert (FPA)
Subcategory:
Drugs, Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Undeclared Substance
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-41313

Introduction

This product is not authorized for sale in Canada and has not been found in the Canadian marketplace, but it is possible it may have been brought into the country by travellers or purchased over the Internet.

Affected products

  • JIN LONG Snakes Bones Rheumatic Capsules

JIN LONG Snakes Bones Rheumatic Capsules

Product description

This product is promoted for treating rheumatism and pain.

Hazard identified

The Singapore Health Sciences Authority warned consumers not to use this product after it was found to contain betamethasone, piroxicam, oxethazaine, paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) and furosemide.

  • Betamethasone is a steroidal prescription drug used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergic reactions.
  • Piroxicam is a prescription drug in the family known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat pain, fever and inflammation.
  • Oxethazaine is a non-prescription local anesthetic that can be used in antacids to numb the pain of heartburn.
  • Acetaminophen is an ingredient used in both non-prescription and prescription drugs to treat fever and pain.
  • Furosemide is a diuretic (water pill) prescription drug used to remove excess fluid from the body.

Prescription drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Place of origin

Unknown

Side effects

Side effects associated with betamethasone include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcer, blood disorders, damage to skin, muscle and bone, and nervous system disorders.  Consult with a healthcare professional prior to stopping use, as sudden discontinuation of betamethasone may cause symptoms of withdrawal.

Side effects associated with piroxicam include changes in blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders (with or without bleeding), anemia, kidney failure and reduced blood clotting ability.

Side effects associated with oxethazaine include rash, dizziness, fainting and drowsiness.

Long-term use of high doses of acetaminophen may cause serious liver damage.

Side effects associated with furosemide include changes in electrolytes (specifically potassium), muscle cramps, dizziness, low blood pressure, headache and nausea.

What you should do

Health Canada advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find the product listed above in the Canadian marketplace.

Canadians who have this product are advised not to use it, and should consult with a healthcare professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of this product.

Background

Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

As of August 8, 2014, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of these products have been reported to Health Canada.

Report a health or safety concern

To report a side effect to a health product to Health Canada:

  • Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
  • Visit Health Canada's Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax

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