Advisory - "ZXT Gold" Bee Pollen Capsules Found to Contain Hidden Drugs, May Pose Serious Health Risks

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Health Canada

Jun 29, 2012, 12:45 ET

OTTAWA, June 29, 2012 /CNW/ -

The issue:

Health Canada testing has identified that the weight loss product "ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules contain hidden pharmaceutical ingredients (sibutramine and phenolphthlalein), which may pose serious health risks. The product is distributed by the company Floyd Nutrition LLC via its website, www.floydnutrition.com.

Who is affected:

Canadians who have purchased or used "ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules.

What consumers should do:
  • Be aware that this product has been found to contain hidden pharmaceutical drugs that may pose a dangerous health risk.
  • Speak to your healthcare practitioner about any questions or concerns regarding this product.
  • Report any adverse reaction you suspect may be related to this product to Health Canada (see below)

What Health Canada is doing:

Health Canada has requested the Canadian distributor associated with the website www.floydnutrition.com to immediately stop sale and advertising of this product, and to remove these products from the Canadian market.

To date, no adverse reaction reports involving "ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules have been reported to Health Canada.

Background:

"ZXT Gold" bee pollen capsules are not authorized in Canada and have not been evaluated by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label. Some natural health products may have an Exemption Number (EN), which indicates that the product is legally available for sale while Health Canada is reviewing its application for licensing.

Sibutramine was previously used to treat obesity but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because of its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack and stroke. In addition to heart attack and stroke, side-effects associated with sibutramine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.

Phenolphthalein was previously used as a laxative but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer. Additional side-effects associated with phenolphthalein include decreased blood pressure, skin rash and gastrointestinal bleeding.

For more information:

Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.

How to report side effects to health products to Health Canada:

  • Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
  • Visit MedEffect Canada's web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.

Related Health Canada Web content:

Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using these social media tools: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/home-accueil/sm-ms/index-eng.php

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PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/06/29/20120629_C5383_DOC_EN_15860.pdf