2008-10
January 23, 2008
For immediate release
OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use the unauthorized product Yeniujyn because the product contains heavy metal contaminants and may pose a serious health risk. Yeniujyn is advertised as a natural health product, for adults and children, to be used "to cure involuntary passage of urine diseases." The product was found to contain high levels of lead and arsenic.
Symptoms of exposure to heavy metals may include, but are not limited to, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, diarrhea, heart abnormalities, anaemia, liver, and nervous system problems.
The product is not authorized for sale in Canada. It is manufactured by Kwangchow United Manufactory of Chinese Medicine and it is available at retail stores and over the Internet. The Canadian distributor of the products is Wing Quon Enterprises Ltd.
The distributor has voluntarily recalled these products. Health Canada advises retailers to remove these products from their shelves. Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase.
Health Canada advises consumers who have used this product and are concerned about their health to contact a health practitioner for advice.
Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Drug Identification Number for Homeopathic Medicine (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.
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, Health Canada has received one report of an adverse reaction related to this product. To report a suspected adverse reaction to this product, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 1-866-234-2345
Facsimile: 1-866-678-6789
Canada Vigilance Program
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Ottawa, Ontario, AL 0701C
K1A 0K9
E-mail: CanadaVigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca
The Canada Vigilance adverse reaction reporting form, including a version that can be completed and submitted online, is located in the MedEffect area of the Health Canada Web site.
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Media Inquiries:
Joey Rathwell
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
