Public advisory

Unauthorized products may pose serious health risks (August 12, 2019 to September 18, 2019)

Starting date:
August 12, 2019
Posting date:
September 18, 2019
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs, Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Unauthorized products, Important Safety Information
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-70685

Last updated:

Issue

Health Canada is advising Canadians about unauthorized health products that may pose serious health risks. The table below is updated when Health Canada finds unauthorized health products that are promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, as a workout aid, or as “poppers,” and that are labelled to contain or have been tested and found to contain dangerous ingredients. Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.

Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality. Unauthorized health products can pose many health dangers, including:

  • They may contain ingredients not listed on the label. This includes ingredients like prescription drugs, possibly at doses exceeding maximum recommended amounts. Prescription drugs should be taken only under the supervision of a health professional because they may cause serious side effects. Using a product that contains ingredients that the consumer is not aware of increases the chance of dangerous allergies and interactions with other medications and foods.
  • The label may indicate a dangerous ingredient or combination of ingredients. For example, it could list a drug that should be available only by prescription from a health care professional, or a combination of ingredients that Health Canada does not permit because of serious health risks.

Health Canada maintains this page so that Canadians can easily identify products they may have purchased and take appropriate action. Canadians are encouraged to check back regularly for updates. Advisories on safety issues involving other types of products are available in the recalls and safety alerts database.

What you should do

  • Stop using the products listed below. Consult your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns, and for advice on which health products are best for you and your family.
  • 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 if products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
  • Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.
  • See the additional information on buying health products safely in the helpful links below.

What companies should know:

  • Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal.
  • When Health Canada identifies unauthorized products that may pose serious health risks, Health Canada takes appropriate action to prevent further distribution and informs Canadians. This includes working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent further importation of unauthorized products.

Background

Flibanserin is a prescription drug used to treat hypoactive (low) sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.Women should not take flibanserin if they have liver problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, if they are taking certain other medicines, or if they have low blood pressure and drink alcohol. Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea and tiredness. Serious side effects include fainting, low blood pressure, abnormally fast heartbeat, and mental health changes such as dissociation from reality, hallucination, intensely excited mood and racing thoughts. The risk of side effects increases with the amount taken (dose).

L-Dopa, also known as levodopa, is a prescription drug that is combined with other drug ingredients in anti-Parkinson's medications. It should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Levodopa may interact with drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, and should not be used by women who are pregnant, who plan to become pregnant or who are breastfeeding. It should also not be taken by people with narrow angle glaucoma; untreated heart, liver, kidney, lung or hormonal diseases; a history of melanoma; or those who should not take drugs such as isoproterenol, amphetamines or epinephrine. Side effects requiring medical attention include: uncontrollable movements of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, neck, arms, hands, or legs; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; an irregular heartbeat or fluttering in the chest; feeling lightheaded when standing quickly; or unusual changes in mood or behaviour.

"Poppers" is a slang term for products that contain alkyl nitrites. Despite being labelled for various uses such as leather cleaners, room odourizers or liquid incense, these products are inhaled or ingested by consumers for recreational purposes. Alkyl nitrites, such as amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite, are prescription drugs and should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Products containing alkyl nitrites may pose serious risks, including death, depending on the amount used, how frequently they are used and how long they are used for, as well as the person's health and the other medications they may be taking. Since it is difficult to control how much is inhaled, people can accidentally overdose. Swallowing these products can lead to serious medical complications and may be fatal. People with certain medical conditions (including recent head trauma, bleeding into the head, glaucoma, or heart disease) and those taking certain medications (particularly drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, and other drugs such as high blood pressure medications, certain migraine drugs, and high doses of aspirin) or illicit drugs are at particular risk.

Rauwolfia (also known as rauvolfia) is a prescription drug that can be used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). People with heart conditions or psychiatric disorders should receive close medical supervision when using it as it can make certain conditions, such as depression, worse. Common side effects include tiredness, sleepiness, depression, nasal obstruction and breathlessness. Rauwolfia should not be used by children, or pregnant or nursing women.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Desmethyl carbodenafil and dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil are unauthorized substances that are similar to sildenafil and may pose similar health risks.

Tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Aminotadalafil is an unauthorized substance that is similar to tadalafil and may pose similar health risks.

Yohimbine is a prescription drug and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Yohimbine is derived from yohimbe, a bark extract. The use of yohimbine or yohimbe may result in serious adverse reactions particularly in people with high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, headache, nausea and sleep disorders. It should not be used by children, or pregnant or nursing women.

Affected products

Links to previous tables with affected products are also available below.

Product description

Unauthorized health products
Photo Product &
Promoted Use
Hazard Identified Company Action Taken Date Added
Black Mamba Premium 18000
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bear Food Mart
2 Castlewood Blvd.
Dundas, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Black Panther #1
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bear Food Mart
2 Castlewood Blvd.
Dundas, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000 (Large format)
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) from other retailers was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbine.

 

Big Bear Food Mart
2 Castlewood Blvd.
Dundas, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000 (Small format)
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) from other retailers was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbine.

 

Big Bear Food Mart
2 Castlewood Blvd.
Dundas, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) from other retailers was labelled to contain yohimbe Big Bear Food Mart
2 Castlewood Blvd.
Dundas, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Stiff Rock
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) from other retailers was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Big Bear Food Mart
2 Castlewood Blvd.
Dundas, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Boss Number #Six
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil and sildenafil Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Bull Thunder 1600 mG
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain yohimbine Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
FX 5000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain yohimbine Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino 7 Platinum 150K
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino 8 Platinum 80000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino 69 Platinum 75000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino Super Long Lasting 200K
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
XOXO Hard Rock
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Big Bee Convenience 215 King St. W Hamilton, ON Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Alien 2 Power Platinum 11000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd. East York, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Lollipop
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil, tadalafil and yohimbine Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd.
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Rhino 12 Titanium 200K
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Convenience Plus Video
385 Dawes Rd.
East York, ON
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Animal Test
Workout supplement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Shop Santé
1215 Chemin du Tremblay,
local 145, Longueuil, QC
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Insane Labz I AM GOD
Workout supplement
Labelled to contain rauwolfia Shop Santé
1215 Chemin du Tremblay,
local 145, Longueuil, QC
Seized from the retail location September 18, 2019
Hard Rock 3800
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Cinema Ras Variety Store & Café
310 Queen St E. Toronto, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Master Zone 1500
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Cinema Ras Variety Store & Café
310 Queen St E. Toronto, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging  (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbine Cinema Ras Variety Store & Café
310 Queen St E. Toronto, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Rhino 25 Platinum 25000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging  (previously seized) was tested and found to contain sildenafil Cinema Ras Variety Store & Café
310 Queen St E. Toronto, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Australia
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Blue Unicorn
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Fire Ant XL
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Germany Black Gorilla
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Increasing Delay
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Labelled in Chinese as ‘Black Ant’
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Labelled in Chinese as ‘Red Diamond Viagra’
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
MACA
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Poseidon Platinum
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Rhino King 15000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil Wiggles Adult Video
980 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Rich Piana 5% Nutrition 5150
Workout Supplement
Labelled to contain rauvolfia Shop Santé
2925 Promenade St-Antoine, Boisbriand, QC
Seized from the retail location September 5, 2019
Jungle Juice Platinum
Poppers
Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain alkyl nitrites Erotika Unlimited
4265 Weston Rd, North York, ON
Seized from the retail location August 26, 2019
Rush
Poppers
Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain alkyl nitrites Erotika Unlimited
4265 Weston Rd, North York, ON
Seized from the retail location August 26, 2019
Super Rush
Poppers
Product with similar packaging previously seized was labelled to contain alkyl nitrites Erotika Unlimited
4265 Weston Rd, North York, ON
Seized from the retail location August 26, 2019
All Nite Long
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain mucuna pruriens seed extract (10% L-dopa) Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
Black Mamba Premium
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
Black Panther 200K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
Black Stallion Platinum 30K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
resERECTION!
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
Rush Hour 72
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
Tiger Extreme 15K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
VITA-X Revitalizing Capsules Extra Strength
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil Jug City
1394 Upper Gage Avenue,
Hamilton, ON
Seized from the retail location August 23, 2019
7K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Alien Power Platinum 11000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain tadalafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Black Stallion 5000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil, tadalafil and sildenafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Blue Diamond
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Jaguar 30000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Kangaroo Ultra 3000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain flibanserin For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Lucky Lady
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain tadalafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Poseidon Platinum 3500
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and yohimbine For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Rhino Ultimate 3500
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Slam
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Stiff Rox
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Super Panther 7K
Sexual enhancement
Labelled to contain yohimbe For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Titanium 4000
Sexual enhancement
Product with similar packaging previously seized was tested and found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil For Lovers Only
250 Idylwyld Dr. N
Saskatoon, SK
Seized from the retail location August 22, 2019
Alien Power Platinum 11000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N, Market Plaza,
Peterborough ON

871 Chemong Rd
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe St. North
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Alpha Man Extreme 3000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil

Forbidden Pleasures

91 George St. N, Market Plaza
Peterborough ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Jaguar 25000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

91 George St. N, Market Plaza,
Peterborough ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Kangaroo Ultra 3000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain flibanserin

Forbidden Pleasures

91 George St. N, Market Plaza,
Peterborough ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Lucky Lady
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

91 George St. N, Market Plaza,
Peterborough ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain tadalafil

Forbidden Pleasures

Locations:

91 George St. N, Market Plaza,
Peterborough ON

871 Chemong Rd
Peterborough, ON

1268 Simcoe St. North
Oshawa, ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailer was tested and found to contain tadalafil

Big Bee Convenience

215 King St W.
Hamilton, ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Product with similar packaging previously seized from other retailer was tested and found to contain tadalafil

Convenience Plus Video

385 Dawes Rd
East York, ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019
Rhino 88 Platinum 8000
Sexual enhancement
Product tested by Health Canada and found to contain sildenafil

Forbidden Pleasures

91 George St N, Market Plaza,
Peterborough ON

Seized from the retail location August 12, 2019

 


Advisory

Images

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