Health Canada issues recall of ephedra products, commonly used as stimulants

OTTAWA (Jan, 10, 2001) — Health Canada is asking stores to voluntarily remove products containing ephedra or ephedrine from their shelves amid concerns that they pose a serious health risk, particularly when used with caffeine.

Ephedra is an herb with powerful stimulant properties that is commonly combined with caffeine in products that claim to stave off fatigue, suppress appetite, promote weight loss, aid body-building, and speed up metabolism.

Truck stops are a common point of sale for ephedra-based products. While the recall is voluntary, Health Canada said inspectors will be visiting stores that sell products with ephedra to encourage retailers to pull them from shelves.

Health Canada yesterday warned that when taken in large doses, ephedra or esphedrine may cause strokes, heart attacks, seizures, psychoses, or death. Those suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure, and diabetes are particularly at risk. At least one death in Canada has been linked to the use of a product that combined large doses of ephedrine with caffeine.

Health Canada issued a public warning about ephedra products in 1997 and again in June 2001.

There are hundreds of products in the market that may contain ephedra or ephedrine, many using different names. These include ma huang or ma huang extract, sida cordifolia, and epitonin.

If a product does contain ephedra or ephedrine, the maximum allowable dosages is 8 mg per single dose, or 32 mg ephedrine a day.

Health Canada recommends checking for a Drug Identification Number or DIN number on the package. The letters DIN followed by an eight-digit number identify the product as having been approved by Health Canada.