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Health Canada advises consumers not to use Kaizen Ephedrine HCL tablets for weight loss
Dec 28, 2005 | Health Canada
Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Kaizen Ephedrine HCL tablets for the unauthorized purposes of weight loss or increased energy because of serious, potentially fatal adverse effects associated with the misuse of the product.Kaizen Ephedrine HCL tablets contain ephedrine hydrochloride, which is authorized by Health Canada only for use as a nasal decongestant in over-the-counter cold products. When used in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, ephedrine hydrochloride has caused reported adverse events ranging from dizziness, tremors, headaches and irregularities in heart rate to seizures, psychosis, heart attacks and stroke.
Kaizen Ephedrine HCL tablets are distributed by The Winning Combination Inc. to retail stores. The tablets are packaged in bottles containing either 28 tablets or 50 tablets, with a purple and grey label. The Drug Identification Number (DIN) for this product is 02236722.
The Winning Combination Inc. has cooperated with Health Canada to remove claims from their website pertaining to "body fat reduction or a preworkout energy boost." The company has also taken action to discontinue pamphlets that list the product as one of their weight loss products. It should be noted that this product can still be taken for its approved use as an oral nasal decongestant for short periods of time.
Health Canada advises all individuals who may have used Kaizen Ephedrine HCL tablets or any other products containing ephedrine for weight loss or increased energy purposes to immediately stop taking it and consult their health care practitioner if they have experienced any adverse effects.
Several health advisories have been issued by Health Canada warning Canadians not to use products containing ephedrine/ephedra, in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, for purposes of weight loss, body building or increased energy. No specific adverse reactions have been reported for Kaizen Ephedrine HCL tablets at this time.
Consumers and health care professionals may report any adverse reaction suspected as being associated with ephedrine/ephedra-containing products by contacting Health Canada toll-free by telephone (866) 234-2345 or fax (866) 678-6789.
Consumers who see other products advertising ephedrine for weight loss claims can call Health Canada's toll-free line at 1-800-267-9675.
