January 11, 2002 – Health Canada has just issued an advisory1 asking to withdraw from the market certain products containing ephedra / ephedrine (extracted from ephedra or produced synthetically) which can seriously damage health. This opinion follows the opinion of June 2001 which denounced its possible adverse effects (60 in all, including headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, tachycardia, insomnia, hypertension) which may even lead to death and asked consumers to stop using it.1
What products are affected by the notice?
Ephedra or ephedrine products without a DIN (drug identification number that proves approval by Health Canada):
- in which the unit dose contains more than 8 mg of ephedrine;
- in which the recommended dose on the label is greater than 8 mg of ephedrine per dose or 32 mg per day;
- whose label indicates or suggests use for more than seven days;
- which are combined with stimulants, mainly caffeine (coffee, green tea, guarana, mate, cola nuts, for example) 3 or with substances which increase its activity;
- associated implicitly or according to the label with an effect related to weight loss, muscle building, increased energy or the feeling of euphoria.
Be careful, however, because the DIN does not guarantee the safety of the product. Indeed, if it contains a content greater than 8 mg per dose or 32 mg per day, it is then up to the manufacturer to provide proof of its harmlessness. Health Canada is asking consumers to participate by stopping purchasing the implicated DIN-free products.
Élisabeth Mercader – PasseportSanté.net
According to Health Canada, January 9, 2002
1. Health Canada. Health Canada calls for certain products containing ephedra / ephedrine to be withdrawn from the market. [Consulté le 10 janvier 2002]. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/francais/protection/mises_garde/2002/2002_01e.htm
2. Health Canada. Ephedra and Ephedrine – Frequently Asked Questions. [Consulté le 10 janvier 2002]. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/francais/protection/mises_garde/2002/2002_01fbk2.htm
3. Health Canada. What to check. [Consulté le 10 janvier 2002]. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/francais/protection/mises_garde/2002/2002_01fbk1.htm
