Advisory
2007-25
March 14, 2007
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers not to use MIAOZI Slimming Capsules because they have been found to contain sibutramine, a prescription medication that should only be taken under medical supervision.
MIAOZI, manufactured by Bainian Pharmacy Group of Hong Kong, is promoted as a weight-loss product. The product was tested and found to contain sibutramine, a prescription medication used to suppress appetite. Canadian Customs discovered the product at an international mail processing facility. The green-coloured capsules are packaged in silver and green blister packs.
The use of sibutramine may cause serious side-effects, including cardiovascular reactions, such as increased blood pressure, chest pain, and stroke. Sibutramine may interact with a number of other medications. Patients should be monitored by their physician while they are taking sibutramine.
Sibutramine should not be taken by people who have had a heart attack, coronary artery disease, heart-related chest pain, irregular heart beats, congestive heart failure, a stroke or symptoms of a stroke, in individuals with controlled or poorly controlled high blood pressure, or in patients who are depressed or have a pyschiatric illness. Sibutramine is not recommended for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
MIAOZI products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace. The product is available to Canadians though the internet. In addition, these products could be purchased by Canadians travelling abroad or have been brought into Canada through personal importation.
Canadians who have purchased MIAOZI products are advised not to use them, and should consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of the product.
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.
To date, no adverse reactions from the use of this product have been reported in Canada. To report a suspected adverse reaction with this or any other health product, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 1-866-234-2345
Facsimile: 1-866-678-6789
CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Health Protection Building, Tunney's Pasture, AL 0701C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca
-30-
Media Enquiries:
Alastair Sinclair
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
