Health Canada warns against use of unapproved ephedrine, kava kava products

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[top]Health Canada warns against use of unapproved ephedrine, kava kava products

1 day ago


TORONTO — Health Canada is warning consumers not to use two unapproved natural health products, Life Choice Ephedrine HCL and Life Choice Kava Kava.


The department says both can cause serious adverse health effects and one of the products was found to be contaminated with a life-threatening bacteria.


It says Life Choice Ephedrine HCL contains an excessive amount of ephedrine and when used alone or with other stimulants for weight loss, body building or increased energy may cause serious and potentially fatal reactions.


As well, Health Canada says this product was found to be contaminated with bacteria which could cause serious and irreversible adverse health effects, including death.


As for Life Choice Kava Kava, Health Canada has had a stop sale order in effect since August 2002 for kava products because they can trigger serious liver problems.


In addition to liver toxicity, kava use has also been associated with an itchy, scaly skin condition known as kava dermopathy, as well as muscle weakness and co-ordination problems.


Individuals who have compromised liver function because of disease, age, or drug or alcohol abuse may be at particular risk of liver toxicity if they use kava, the department says.


Health Canada says it is taking measures to prevent these two products from entering the Canadian market.


Consumers who are using either or both of the products should stop immediately and consult their health-care practitioner if they are concerned about their health, the department says.

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