Medicine recalls
|
| |
| Canada: Multiple cold and flu powdered medications, for adults and children 12 years of age and older, recalled due to potential health risks |
| |
Health Canada announces that CellChem Pharmaceuticals Inc. is recalling all lots of cold and flu medications, sold in pouches of dissolvable powder, due to potential health risks. The products are authorized for use in adults and children 12 years of age and older. They are available over-the-counter and sold under various generic store-brand labels at many retailers across Canada. The affected products are:
- Extra Strength Total Symptom Relief Sugar-Free
- Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cold and Flu (Extra strength)
- Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cold and Flu (Regular strength)
- Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cough, Cold and Flu (Extra Strength)
- Night Time Total Extra Strength
- Total Flu
The products are being recalled because the company could not demonstrate that products remain safe and of good quality until the expiry date. In addition, multiple lots had active ingredients, such as acetaminophen, that were not in the amounts listed on the product label.
Products that contain less than the labelled quantity of active ingredients may be less effective. Taking products that contain more than the labelled quantity of active ingredients can lead to inadvertently exceeding the maximum daily doses. For example, products that contain too much acetaminophen could pose serious health risks, such as liver damage. Signs of taking too much acetaminophen include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, sweating, loss of appetite and pain in the upper part of the abdomen or stomach. Abdominal pain may be the first sign of liver damage and may not be apparent for 24 to 48 hours. Risks of taking too much of an active ingredient may be higher for children and adolescents.
Health Canada identified these issues during an inspection. As a result, the company initiated a recall in Sep 2021 of certain powdered cold and flu medications. This recall is now being expanded after further investigation by the company identified additional affected products.
Please refer to the following website in Health Canada for details:
http://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/multiple-cold-and-flu-powdered-medications-adults-and-children-12-years-age-and-older
In Hong Kong, the above products are not registered pharmaceutical products. Related news was previously issued by Health Canada and was posted on the Drug Office website on 29 Sep 2021 and 23 Nov 2021.
Ends/Tuesday, Dec 21, 2021
Issued at HKT 14:00
|
| |
|
