May 22, 2013: Risk of Secondary Cancer with use of Thalomid

Thalidomide, also known as Thalomid, is currently approved in Canada for treating those with multiple myeloma. It is only accessible through a controlled distribution program called RevAid, to which the prescribing physician must be registered. This drug acts by suppressing the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation, and can also prevent new blood vessel formation. It is currently being investigated for use in other cancers, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV related mouth sores/ulcers and is approved by the FDA for use in leprosy. It was first prescribed in the late 1950’s early 1960’s to treat insomnia and morning sickness in pregnant women however by 1962 it was pulled from the market as it was discovered that it caused severe birth defects. It resurface in 1999 when the FDA approved it for leprosy and then in 2006 for multiple myeloma.

Health Canada, in collaboration with Celgene Inc, have recently issued two health alerts for Thalidomide. The first, May 1st, announced the potential risk of arterial blood clot formation and death due to these clots causing heart attack or stroke, especially in the first five months of use. The second alert, May 22nd, announced that Thalidomide has the potential to cause secondary cancers, specifically the blood cancers acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

If you’re currently taking thalidomide or have taken it in the past and have concerns make sure to speak to your healthcare provider.

May 16, 2013: Azithromycin and Risk of Potentially Fatal Heart Arrhythmia

Azithromycin, also known as Zithromax and Zmax SR, is a commonly prescribed antibiotic both in adults and children. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including respiratory, throat, ear, sinus, skin as well as certain sexually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Health Canada, along with Pfizer Canada, issued a health alert to inform the public about the potentially lethal side effect of fatal heart arrhythmia. A study by Ray and al found during a 5 days course of treatment with azithromycin there was a small increased risk of cardiovascular death when compared to no antibiotic use as well as compared to amoxicillin.⁽¹⁾ This danger mainly affects those that are already at a higher risk for cardiovascular events such as those with arrhythmias and cardiac insufficiency. Those taking certain medications such as antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants and flouroquinolone antibiotics as well as those with low levels of potassium or magnesium are also at risk.

If you’re currently taking or recently finished a round azithromycin and have concerns make sure to speak to your healthcare provider.

References

1. Ray WA, Murray KT, Hall K, Arbogast PG, Stein MC. Azithromycin and the Risk of Cardiovascular Death. N Engl J Med. 2012; 366:1881-1890.

April 6, 2013: Certain St. Thomas brand Bottled Lobster may contain dangerous bacteria.

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are warning the public to avoid and not consume a certain brand of St. Thomas bottled Lobster as it may be contaminated with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by this bacteria can cause botulism which is a serious and a life-threatening illness. This product was distributed in New Brunswick and perhaps to other provinces as well.

    Products affected:
      St. Thomas Lobster: 285g (drained weight)
          - Codes on jar include: 13921, 14021, 19121, 20221, 20521 and 20822
          - UPC 0 81971 90072 8

April 4, 2013: Proton Pump Inhibitors and Bone Fractures

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) commonly known and prescribed as Nexium, Pariet, Pantaloc, etc are prescribed, and often over prescribed, for acid reflux and stomach ulcers. Health Canada has issued a health alert to the public and all healthcare practitioners about the results of several studies suggesting an increased risk of fracture of the hip, wrist and spine for those with osteoporosis while on PPI’s. This risk increases with increased daily dose and in those taking the medication for periods great than a year.

If you’re currently taking a proton pump inhibitor and have concerns make sure to speak to your healthcare professional.

March 7, 2013: Domperidone and Sudden Cardiac Death

Domperidone is a medication often prescribed to individuals with diabetes and patient with Parkinson’s suffering with indigestion, heartburn, nausea and/or vomiting and bloating.

March 7,2013: Undeclared milk found in Anita’s Organic Mill Products

The manufacturer, Anita’s Organic Grain & Flour Mill Ltd located in Chilliwack, BC has voluntarily recalled the affected products.

October 2012: Ear Candling Ban
Though the sale and import of ear candles has been banned in Canada since 2006, you will still find them in many health foods stores and being offered as a treatment in certain clinics across the country.