Unauthorized health products labelled to contain prescription… — recall 75371

Reported risk: Health Canada is warning consumers about multiple unauthorized health products seized from Vanette Keast Health Consulting in Red Deer, Alberta, after the Department was informed that the company was importing unauthorized prescription drugs. The seized products are labelled to contain prescription, controlled or other drug ingredients, and may pose serious health risks. The products are promoted for various uses, including as treatments for diabetes, parasites or hypothyroidism. One product is a drink mix that contains sodium chlorite, which may pose serious health risks if ingested. Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal. Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, efficacy and quality and may pose a range of serious health risks. For example, they could contain high-risk ingredients, such as prescription drugs, additives or contaminants that may or may not be listed on the label. These ingredients could interact with other medications and foods. In addition, these products may not actually contain the active ingredients that consumers would expect them to contain to help maintain and improve their health. Prescription drugs should only be used under the advice and supervision of a health care professional because they are used to treat specific conditions and may cause serious side effects. Prescription drugs can only be legally sold to consumers in Canada with a prescription.