Warning
2007-105
August 17, 2007
For immediate release
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians of a recall in the United States of one lot of Metaboslim Apple Cider Vinegar, which is marketed as a dietary supplement, because it has been found to contain sibutramine, a prescription medication that should only be taken under medical supervision.
Health Canada has received confirmation from the manufacturer, Confidence Inc,. through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, that the affected bottles have been distributed in Canada. The lot being recalled is Lot Number 3001006.EXP.102009. Metaboslim products are not authorized for sale in Canada. The affected Metaboslim product is sold in a plastic bottle with white and red labeling and contains 60 gelatin capsules.
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 unstable or poorly controlled high blood pressure, or in patients who are depressed or have a psychiatric illness. Sibutramine is not recommended for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
Canadians who have the affected product are advised to immediately discontinue its use and consult their health care professional if they have health concerns related to use of the product. Consumers should return the product to the point of purchase. No adverse reactions related to this product have been reported in Canada. Health Canada will be working with the importer to determine where the product was distributed in Canada and to ensure it is immediately removed from the market. Further information will be made available to Canadians and health care professionals as warranted.
The FDA news release on the recall can be found at
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.
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Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
