Feb 7, 2014: Foreign Product Alert: Plexus Slim Accelerator capsules, and Plexus Slim Accelerator 3 Day Trial pack

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. Plexus Slim Accelerator capsules
2. Plexus Slim Accelerator 3 Day Trial pack

Plexus Slim Accelerator capsules, and Plexus Slim Accelerator 3 Day Trial packbr> These products are promoted for weight loss. The Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned consumers not to use these products as they were found to contain 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA), a drug that is not approved for sale in Canada.

Health Canada received one Canadian report of a serious adverse reaction suspected to be associated with a "Plexus Slim Accelerator" product. Due to limited information at this time, Health Canada is unable to determine whether the product reported is the same as the product that is the subject of the TGA alert, or what role, if any, the product may have played in the adverse reaction. It is not known where the product was purchased. Health Canada is currently following up on this report.

Side effects associated with DMAA include high blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain, stroke and psychiatric disorders.

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 health care 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 December 31, 2013, Health Canada has received one report of an adverse reaction suspected to be associated with the use of these products.