Health Product InfoWatch – September 2017

Health products mentioned in this issue

Pharmaceuticals and Biologics
Aubagio (teriflunomide)
Desloratadine
Effient (prasugrel)
Hydroquinone
Keppra (levetiracetam)
Rifadin (rifampin)

Other
Foreign health products
Unauthorized health products

Monthly recap of health product safety information

The following is a list of health product advisories, type I recalls as well as summaries of completed safety reviews published in August 2017 by Health Canada.

Aubagio (teriflunomide)

This safety review evaluated the risk of acute renal injury or nephrolithiasis associated with Aubagio (teriflunomide). Health Canada’s review of the available information did not establish a link. Health Canada will continue to monitor this issue.

Summary Safety Review - Aubagio (teriflunomide)

Desloratadine

This safety review evaluated the risk of QT interval prolongation associated with desloratadine. Health Canada’s review of the available information did not establish a link. Health Canada will continue to monitor this issue.

Summary Safety Review - Desloratadine

Effient (prasugrel)

This safety review evaluated the risk of severe cutaneous adverse reactions associated with Effient (prasugrel). Health Canada’s review concluded that there was not enough information available to establish a link. Health Canada will continue to monitor this issue.

Summary Safety Review - Effient (prasugrel)

Foreign health products

These foreign health products have been found by regulators in other countries to contain undeclared drug ingredients. The products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace, but it is possible they may have been brought into the country by travellers or purchased over the Internet.

Foreign Product Alert

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone at concentrations above 2% for use on the skin will be added to the Prescription Drug List. These products will be available by prescription only, under the oversight of a healthcare professional, rather than without a prescription.

Information Update - Hydroquinone

Unauthorized health products

Health Canada advised Canadians about various unauthorized health products being sold at retail locations across Canada or online that may pose serious health risks.

Advisory - Aerobic Oxygen
Advisory - Kobayashi Eyebon Eyewash
Advisory - Poppers and sexual enhancement products
Advisory - Product containing synthetic cannabinoids
Advisory - Psychotic by Insane Labz
Advisory - Sexual enhancement products