May 30, 2017

Online Drugs Warning: Health Canada warns about L-tryptophan and lithium orotate

Health Canada is advising Canadians that multiple unauthorized products labelled to contain L tryptophan or lithium orotate were being sold on amazon.ca, and may pose serious health risks. L Tryptophan (at doses higher than 220 mg per day) and lithium orotate are prescription drugs in Canada and should be used only under the supervision of a health-care professional.

All drug products sold in Canada, including those sold over the Internet, must be approved for sale by Health Canada. Taking drugs that have not been authorized by Health Canada may pose serious health risks, as they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

Prescription drugs should be obtained only from pharmacies that are licensed by the applicable province or territory in which they operate. Consumers who take a prescription drug without being examined and monitored by a health-care professional may not receive appropriate treatment. They may also put themselves at risk for harmful drug interactions and dangerous side effects.