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2006/06/02, 11:06 AM
OTTAWA (CP) - Consumers should avoid taking any combination of ephedrine and caffeine because of the risk of serious and possibly fatal side-effects, Health Canada warns.
In an advisory Tuesday, the federal department said two particular products pose potential health risks: WestPharm Hydro-Lean capsules and a combination of 4Ever Fit ephedrine and caffeine pills.
Canadians with heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes are among those at greatest risk.
When used in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, ephedrine has caused reported adverse events that range from dizziness, tremors, headaches and heart rate irregularities to seizures, psychosis, heart attacks and stroke.
One adverse reaction suspected to be related to the use of Hydro-Lean has been reported to Health Canada. Symptoms in that case included an elevated heart rate and general discomfort.
WestPharm Hydro-Lean has not been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness or quality and is not authorized for sale in Canada. However, the product is distributed via the Internet and may have been brought into Canada either by personal importation or other means.
Health Canada is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prohibit further importation of this product.
Although packaged in separate bottles, 4Ever Fit ephedrine and caffeine pills are sold together in a convenience pack. Ephedrine and caffeine are authorized in Canada as separate products, but are not authorized to be sold or taken in combination.
The 4Ever Fit Convenience Pack has been recalled from retailers by the Canadian distributor, 4Ever Fit.
Anyone who has used WestPharm Hydro-Lean or the ephedrine and caffeine tablets in the 4Ever Fit Convenience Pack, or any other products containing ephedrine and stimulants such as caffeine, should stop consuming them, Health Canada says. Such products should not be used for weight loss, increased energy, body building or any other purpose.
Consumers who believe they have experienced adverse effects from taking these products should consult their health-care practitioner.
Ephedra and ephedrine are authorized for use only as nasal decongestants in over-the-counter cold products. All such products carry an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label and should be used only as directed, for short periods of time.
The maximum allowable dosage for ephedrine is eight milligrams in a single dose or 32 milligrams per day. The maximum allowable dosage for ephedra is 400 milligrams in a single dose or 1,600 milligrams per day.
Consumers should avoid using unauthorized products that contain ephedra or ephedrine in combination with caffeine or other stimulants. As a source of ephedrine, labels on these products may list: ma huang, Chinese ephedra, ma huang extract, ephedra, Ephedra Sinica, ephedra extract, ephedra herb powder, Sida Cordifolia or epitonin. As a source of caffeine or other stimulants, labels may list: green tea, guarana, yerba mate, cola nut and yohimbine.
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