Feb 18, 2014: Foreign Product Alert: Li Long Mei Guo Mo Bang, and Ginseng Tu chong Wan Lin Heong

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

Affected products
1. Li Long Mei Guo Mo Bang
2. Ginseng Tu chong Wan Lin Heong

Li Long Mei Guo Mo Bang
This product is promoted for sexual enhancement. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority warned consumers not to use this product after it was found to contain sildenafil, a drug ingredient that was not declared on the product label. Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The place of origin is unknown.

Side effects
Sildenafil 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 side-effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.

Ginseng Tu chong Wan Lin Heong
This product is promoted for treatment of arthritis and joint pain. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority warned consumers not to use this product after it was found to contain dexamethasone, a drug ingredient that was not declared on the product label. Dexamethasone is a steroidal prescription drug used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergic reactions. It should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The place of origin is unknown.

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

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

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

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 January 31, 2014, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of these products have been reported to Health Canada.