HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY: Unauthorized Health Product, "West Pharm Therma Lean Fat Burner Energizer" May Pose Serious Health Risks

Advisory
2010-53

For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians that an unauthorized health product, "West Pharm Therma Lean Fat Burner Energizer" was found on the Canadian market. West Pharm Therma Lean Fat Burner Energizer contains Ephedrine and caffeine, which combined together, may cause serious and possibly fatal adverse effects. Canadians suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes are among those particularly at risk. The product was distributed across Canada via the internet by Nutrition First (www.nutritionfirst.ca), a company located in Nova Scotia.

Health Canada has issued a letter to the company advising them to cease the sale and advertising of this product. The company has agreed to remove the product from the market and has closed down their website. Health Canada is also working with the Canada Border Services Agency to stop future importation of any shipments of "West Pharm Therma Lean Fat Burner Energizer" from entering Canada.

Ephedrine taken in combination with caffeine can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness, tremors, headaches and irregularities in heart rate to seizures, psychosis, heart attacks and stroke. Consumers who have purchased "West Pharm Therma Lean Fat Burner Energizer" are advised to consult with a medical professional if they have used the product or have concerns about their health.

The use of products containing ephedrine is not recommended in people with heart problems, hypertension, thyroid disease, diabetes, enlarged prostate, anxiety and restlessness, glaucoma (serious eye disorder) and pheochromocytoma (serious gland disorder) because Ephedra/ephedrine aggravates these conditions.

Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have either 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.

Health Canada has warned Canadians on several occasions about the risks associated with using products that contain the herb Ephedra or ephedrine either alone or in combination with stimulants for weight loss, body building or increased energy purposes. These warnings can be found on the Health Canada website (see advisories from December 2005, May 2006, and March 2008).

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

SOURCE: Health Canada