Health product recalls and alerts, 2011
172 notices, newest first. Each links to the official notice.
Drugs, vaccines and biologics
- “Compliments Muscle and Back Pain Relief Regular Strength”: Labelling Error May Pose Serious Risks to ChildrenDecember 29, 2011 · Specialized products - Drugs · Labelling and packaging
- EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector – Important Safety Information on Correct Usage – For the PublicDecember 22, 2011 · Drugs
- Rasilez (aliskiren): Health Canada reviewing safety of blood-pressure drugDecember 22, 2011 · Drugs · Product safety
- Bisphosphonate osteoporosis drugs (Aclasta, Actonel, Didrocal, Fosamax, Fosavance): Small but increased risk of unusual thigh bone fracturesDecember 19, 2011 · Drugs
- Acetylsalicylic Acid 325mg Tablets USP (sold under the following trademarks: Care+, Value Brand, Exact, Rexall, Personnelle, Procurity's Encounter Brand, Life, Option+ )December 12, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Multaq (dronedarone) - Information on Important Revisions to Product Monograph - For Health ProfessionalsDecember 8, 2011 · Drugs
- Multaq (dronedarone) - Information on Important Revisions to Product Monograph - For Health ProfessionalsDecember 8, 2011 · Drugs
- Multaq (dronedarone) – Information on Important Revisions to Product Monograph – For the PublicDecember 8, 2011 · Drugs
- AVASTIN (bevacizumab) - Reports of Cases of Severe Eye Inflammation Leading to Blindness Following Use in the Eye - For Health ProfessionalsDecember 7, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- AVASTIN (bevacizumab) – Reports of Cases of Severe Eye Inflammation Leading to Blindness Following Use in the Eye – For the PublicDecember 7, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Sublinox (zolpidem tartrate) - Association with complex sleep behaviours - For Health ProfessionalsDecember 5, 2011 · Drugs
- Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid, UDCA) - Association of High-Dose with Serious Liver Side Effects - For Health ProfessionalsDecember 5, 2011 · Drugs
- Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid, UDCA) – Association of High-Dose with Serious Liver Side Effects – For the PublicDecember 5, 2011 · Drugs
- Sublinox (zolpidem tartrate) – Association with abnormal sleep behaviours – For the PublicDecember 5, 2011 · Drugs
- Yasmin and Yaz (drospirenone): Updated information on increased risk of blood clotsDecember 5, 2011 · Drugs · Product safety
- Update: Three Additional Unauthorized Health Products Tested: May Pose Serious Health RisksDecember 2, 2011 · Drugs · Undeclared substance
- Stiff One Hard 169 product recalled from the Canadian market: may pose serious health risks to CanadiansNovember 30, 2011 · Drugs · Undeclared substance
- Avastin (bevacizumab) - Health Canada has Suspended Approval for Use in Metastatic Breast Cancer - For Health ProfessionalsNovember 29, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Health Canada directs Hoffmann-La Roche to remove use of Avastin (bevacizumab) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer from the product labelNovember 28, 2011 · Drugs
- Avastin (bevacizumab) - Higher Incidence of New Cases of Ovarian Failure Observed in Premenopausal Women - For Health ProfessionalsNovember 14, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- AVASTIN (bevacizumab) – Higher Incidence of New Cases of Ovarian Failure Observed in Premenopausal Women – For the PublicNovember 14, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Pradax (dabigatran etexilate) and Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) - Risk of Potential Patient Harm Associated with Brand Name Confusion - For Health ProfessionalsNovember 8, 2011 · Drugs
- Pradax (dabigatran etexilate) and Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) – Risk of Potential Patient Harm Associated with Brand Name Confusion – For the PublicNovember 8, 2011 · Drugs
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: patients with myasthenia gravis may risk increased muscle weaknessNovember 7, 2011 · Drugs · Product safety
- XIGRIS [drotrecogin alfa (activated)] - Worldwide Withdrawal - Notice to HospitalsOctober 28, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- XIGRIS [drotrecogin alfa (activated)] - Worldwide Withdrawal - For Health ProfessionalsOctober 28, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- XIGRIS [drotrecogin alfa (activated)] – Worldwide Withdrawal – For the PublicOctober 28, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Brewer's Yeast Tablets: May pose serious health risks to Canadians with milk allergiesOctober 25, 2011 · Drugs
- Xigris (drotrecogin alfa) withdrawn worldwideOctober 25, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine · Product safety
- Strattera (atomoxetine) - Association with Increased Blood Pressure and Increased Heart Rate - For Health ProfessionalsOctober 24, 2011 · Drugs
- STRATTERA (atomoxetine) – Association with Increased Blood Pressure and Increased Heart Rate – For the PublicOctober 24, 2011 · Drugs
- All Purpose Cleaner DisinfectantOctober 17, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Duoquat DisinfectantOctober 17, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Citalopram: Health Canada reviewing dose-related heart riskOctober 13, 2011 · Drugs · Dosage - Product safety
- RoxyLean / RoxyLean ECAOctober 3, 2011 · Drugs · Type II
- Plavix (blood thinner): New recommendations for use with proton pump inhibitors (antacids)September 22, 2011 · Drugs
- Trasylol (aprotinin) - Important New Safety Information - Notice to HospitalsSeptember 21, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Trasylol (aprotinin) – Important New Safety Information – For the PublicSeptember 21, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Health Canada decision on Trasylol (aprotinin)September 21, 2011 · Drugs
- Neurolite (Kit for the preparation of Technetium TC99m Bicisate Injection)September 19, 2011 · Drugs · Type II
- GnRH Agonists: Heart-related Risk in Men Treated for Prostate CancerSeptember 8, 2011 · Drugs
- Mesna (Uromitexan), Multi-Dose Vials - Association with Fatal Gasping Syndrome in Neonates and Infants - For the PublicSeptember 6, 2011 · Drugs
- Mesna (Uromitexan), Multi-Dose Vials - Association with Fatal Gasping Syndrome in Neonates and Infants - For Health ProfessionalsSeptember 6, 2011 · Drugs
- Oxygen Botanicals Antibacterial SpraySeptember 5, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Sprycel (dasatinib) - Safety Information Regarding Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) - For Health ProfessionalsAugust 30, 2011 · Drugs
- SPRYCEL (dasatinib) – Safety Information Regarding Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – For the PublicAugust 30, 2011 · Drugs
- Potential dangers of using donor semen from questionable sourcesAugust 29, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine · Product safety
- Certain Injectable and Inhalational Sterile Drugs Imported from Ben Venue Laboratories Inc. - Potential Supply Shortage - Notice to HospitalsAugust 18, 2011 · Drugs
- Certain Sandoz Products for Injection - Possible Fading of the Expiry Date and Lot Number on Labels of Vials of 10 mL or Less - For Health ProfessionalsAugust 10, 2011 · Drugs
- Oral-B Anti-Bacterial with Fluoride Alcohol FreeAugust 8, 2011 · Drugs · Type I
- Multaq (dronedarone) – Information on Increase in Heart-Related Events in Patients with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation – For Health ProfessionalsAugust 4, 2011 · Drugs
- Multaq (dronedarone) - Information on Increase in Heart-Related Events in Patients with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation - For the PublicAugust 4, 2011 · Drugs · Product safety
- Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar): Potential rare risk of breast cancer in menAugust 4, 2011 · Drugs · Labelling
- Calcium Gluconate Injection 10% - Important Information Concerning the Presence of Aluminum - For Health ProfessionalsJuly 28, 2011 · Drugs
- Multaq: Health Canada reviewing heart-related riskJuly 21, 2011 · Drugs
- Metoclopramide: Stronger warnings on risk of abnormal muscle movementsJuly 20, 2011 · Drugs · Labelling
- [Hua Tuo Brand] Youzhi Baoying Dan, [Lee Sze] Texiao Houtong Wan, and Prolonged Man Power EssenceJuly 12, 2011 · Drugs
- SkinBorn Day Cream SPF 30 For Dry SkinJuly 11, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Oxygen Botanicals Total Sun Protection SPF 30July 11, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- SkinBorn Day Cream SPF 30 For Oily/Combination SkinJuly 11, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Oxygen Botanicals Dual Action Maximum Tan Maximum Protection SPF 30July 11, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Valproate anti-epileptic drugs may pose risks to children when taken by mothers during pregnancyJuly 8, 2011 · Drugs
- Health Canada reviewing stop-smoking drug Champix (varenicline tartrate) and potential risk of heart problems in patients with heart diseaseJune 27, 2011 · Drugs
- Counterfeit Cialis Seized in the Greater Toronto AreaJune 21, 2011 · Drugs · Undeclared substance - Unauthorized product
- Health Canada reviewing diabetes drug pioglitazone (Actos) and potential risk of bladder cancerJune 17, 2011 · Drugs · New safety information
- Antipsychotic drugs: Labelling update regarding the risk of abnormal muscle movements and withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed during pregnancyJune 15, 2011 · Drugs · New safety information
- Unauthorized health products removed from sale at Burnaby and Richmond stores: may pose serious health risks to CanadiansJune 14, 2011 · Drugs · Unauthorized product
- RITUXAN (rituximab) - Fatal Infusion Related Reactions in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis - For Health ProfessionalsJune 7, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- RITUXAN (rituximab) – Fatal Infusion Related Reactions in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis – For the PublicJune 7, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Health Canada reviewing safety of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives (Yasmin and Yaz) and risk of venous thromboembolismJune 7, 2011 · Drugs · New safety information
- Important Children Information: Tanta Pharmaceuticals Inc. Recalls Junior and Children's Strength Acetaminophen TabletsJune 7, 2011 · Drugs · Product safety
- Taro Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.'s Voluntary Recall of Docusate Sodium CapsulesJune 3, 2011 · Drugs · Contamination
- “Simply Thick” May Be Linked to Illnesses in Premature Infants in the U.S.May 20, 2011 · Drugs
- Cytarabine Injection - Crystallization in 2 g/20 mL (100 mg/mL) Vials - For Health ProfessionalsMay 11, 2011 · Drugs
- “Omega Alpha Kidney Flush” Being Recalled from the Canadian MarketMay 4, 2011 · Drugs · Labelling
- Uremol HC Cream 50 g (tubes) Uremol HC Cream 225 g (jars)May 2, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- Uremol HC Lotion 150 mLMay 2, 2011 · Drugs · Type III
- ANZEMET (dolasetron mesylate) - Withdrawal of 20 mg/mL Intravenous Injection Due to Potential Risk of Arrhythmias - For Health ProfessionalsApril 28, 2011 · Drugs
- ANZEMET (dolasetron mesylate) – Withdrawal of 20 mg/mL Intravenous Injection Due to Potential Risk of Arrhythmias – For the PublicApril 28, 2011 · Drugs
- Health Canada reminds Canadians of health risks associated with topical benzocaine productsApril 19, 2011 · Drugs · Product safety
- Dyma - ViperApril 18, 2011 · Drugs
- Vivaglobin [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human)] - Risk of Thrombotic Events (Blood Clots) - For Health ProfessionalsApril 14, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Vivaglobin [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human)] – Risk of Thrombotic Events (Blood Clots) – For the PublicApril 11, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Frequently Asked Questions: Blood Donation Deferral Policy Expanded Beyond Western EuropeMarch 29, 2011 · Drugs
- Blood Donation Deferral Policy Expanded Beyond the United Kingdom and Western EuropeMarch 29, 2011 · Drugs
- L-Carnitine High Potency 750March 21, 2011 · Drugs · Type II
- Immediate Recall by Mylan Pharmaceuticals: Potential Serious Risk due to Mislabelling of ProductsMarch 17, 2011 · Drugs · Labelling
- IXIARO Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (inactivated, adsorbed) - Recall of Lot JEV09L37C - For the PublicMarch 16, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- IXIARO Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (inactivated, adsorbed) - Recall of Lot JEV09L37C - For Health ProfessionalsMarch 16, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Multaq (dronedarone) - Updated Safety Information in Regards to Hepatocellular Liver Injury - For Health ProfessionalsMarch 15, 2011 · Drugs
- Multaq (dronedarone) – Updated Safety Information in Regards to Hepatocellular Liver Injury – For the PublicMarch 15, 2011 · Drugs
- Methylene blue injectable in combination with serotonin reuptake inhibitors - Association with serotonin toxicity - Notice to HospitalsFebruary 17, 2011 · Drugs
- Pharmetics Inc. Voluntarily Recalls a Number of Products from the Canadian MarketFebruary 8, 2011 · Drugs
- Muscle and Back Pain Relief Extra Strenght Tablets (sold under the following trademarks: Care+, Rexall, Safeway, Option+, Exact, Personnelle, Value brand)February 7, 2011 · Drugs · Type II
- PEGETRON REDIPEN (peginterferon alfa-2b) - Recall of Triad Group Alcohol Prep Pads, Alcohol Swabs, and Alcohol Swabsticks - For Health ProfessionalsFebruary 4, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- PEGETRON REDIPEN (peginterferon alfa-2b) – Recall of Triad Group Alcohol Prep Pads, Alcohol Swabs, and Alcohol Swabsticks – For the PublicFebruary 3, 2011 · Biologic or vaccine
- Nutrex Research Lipo 6X: Weight Loss Product Could Cause Serious Adverse ReactionsJanuary 28, 2011 · Drugs · Labelling
- Reminding Canadians About Using Acetaminophen SafelyJanuary 13, 2011 · Drugs · Labelling
- Important Information for Multiple Sclerosis Patients: COPAXONE® Co-packaged with Recalled Alcohol Prep PadsJanuary 12, 2011 · Drugs
- The Government of Canada Reminds Canadians of the Importance of Food Safety for People with Weakened Immune SystemsJanuary 11, 2011 · Drugs
- Important Information: Shandex Sales Group Urgently Recalls Alcohol SwabsJanuary 11, 2011 · Drugs
- Images of Products Included in Information Update "Pharmetics Inc. Voluntarily Recalls a Number of Products from the Canadian Market"January 1, 2011 · Drugs
Other health products
- Reminding Canadians of potential safety concerns in home canning and bottlingOctober 17, 2011 · Other
- Health Canada Offers Practical Advice on Safe Cell Phone UseOctober 4, 2011 · Other · Product safety
- Using Reusable Grocery Bags and BinsJune 14, 2011 · Other · Contamination
- Keep Pets Safe by Following Label Directions on Flea and Tick Control ProductsApril 11, 2011 · Other · Product safety
Natural health products
- Maxidus capsules, Chao Jimenghan SuperPowerful Man tablets, Fu Yuan Chun capsules, and Qing Tian Zhu tabletsNovember 9, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Slimming KapsulNovember 9, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Metabolic AdvantageNovember 9, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Zhui Feng Bao Wei SanNovember 9, 2011 · Natural health products
- Tian Ma Tu Chung Seven Leave Ginseng, Vall-Boon Tongkat Ali, and Pao Ni KangNovember 9, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Pancre-PlusNovember 9, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance - Unauthorized product
- Majun Dua Istimewa, Raja Maajun, Jerat Dan Seret Angin, and Horkut Chooi Foong Hor Lok TanNovember 9, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Huo Li Bao and Ren Sem Tu Chon Chin Kuo PillOctober 17, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- SXL Sexcellence SachetsOctober 17, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- [W.S] Gan Mao Ling and Chaisentomg Baby's Kam Chik San PowderOctober 17, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Four Weight Loss ProductsOctober 17, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Bi Yan Pian Recalled Due to Excessive Amount of MercurySeptember 1, 2011 · Natural health products · Contamination
- Pink Lady for Women Capsules and St. Nirvana Herbal Slimming CapsulesAugust 3, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Celerite Slimming TeaAugust 3, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Fifteen Weight Loss ProductsAugust 3, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Additional Unauthorized Health Product Tested: May Pose Serious Health RisksJuly 25, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance - Unauthorized product
- Centrum Materna Prenatal Multivitamins: One bottle found to contain unidentified capsules instead of pink tabletsJuly 22, 2011 · Natural health products
- Procter & Gamble Recalls MouthwashJuly 13, 2011 · Drugs - Natural health products · Contamination
- X-Hero, Male EnhancerJuly 12, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance - Unauthorized product
- Natural Vigra VIAGRA Tablets and Satibo CapsulesJuly 12, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Black AntJuly 12, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Beline CapsulesJuly 12, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Slim Xtreme Herbal Slimming CapsulesJuly 12, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- 14 additional unauthorized health products tested: may pose serious health risksJuly 6, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Man Up Now product removed from sale at Delta and Surrey stores: may pose serious health risks to CanadiansJuly 4, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Dr. Health Series CM FactorMay 10, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- JianBu HuQian WanMay 10, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Rock Hard Extreme and Passion CoffeeMay 10, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Gold Seagull Long Zhi Wan, VenergyMay 10, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Contaminated Natural Health Product may pose risk to immune compromised people: Mary Ginseng House 100% Pure High Calibre Pow Sum Ontario GinsengApril 18, 2011 · Natural health products · Contamination
- U-Prosta: Herbal Prostate Product Recalled as It May Pose Serious Health RisksApril 7, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Update: Additional Probiotic Natural Health Products May Pose Serious Health Risks to Canadians with Milk AllergiesApril 5, 2011 · Natural health products
- MagicreamMarch 22, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Nite Rider Maximum Sexual Enhancer for Men, STUD Capsule for MenMarch 22, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Herbal Flos Lonicerae (Herbal Xenicol) Natural Weight Loss FormulaMarch 22, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Celerite Slimming CapsulesMarch 22, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance - Unauthorized product
- Fruta Planta and Reduce Weight Fruta PlantaFebruary 3, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- RockHard Weekend and PandoraFebruary 3, 2011 · Natural health products · Unauthorized product
- Slimming FactorFebruary 3, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Exact™ Multi Greens Powder and Capsules Recalled as They May Pose Serious Health Risks to Canadians with Milk AllergiesFebruary 2, 2011 · Natural health products
- Vigor-25 and Man Up NowJanuary 31, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Tiger KingJanuary 31, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Aziffa, Erex, Eyeful, Hard Drive, Libidinal, Maxyte, Mojo, Monster Excyte, OMG, OMG45, Prolatis, Red Magic, Size Matters, Stiff Nights, Straight Up, Verect, WOW, Xaitrex, Xytamax, Zilex (with Golden Spear) and ZotrexJanuary 31, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance
- Prolatis' and Duro Extend Capsules For MenJanuary 31, 2011 · Natural health products · Undeclared substance - Unauthorized product
- Synerate: Weight Loss Product Could Cause Serious Adverse reactionsJanuary 7, 2011 · Natural health products
Medical devices
- Health Canada Informs Canadians of Pfizer Canada's Recommendations on the Correct Use of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. Auto-InjectorDecember 23, 2011 · Specialized products - Drugs - Medical devices · New safety information - Other - Product safety - Medical devices
- North American Urgent Recall: Neonatal, Pediatric and Flextend Tracheostomy TubesDecember 23, 2011 · Medical devices · Medical devices
- EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector - Important Safety Information on Correct Usage - For Health ProfessionalsDecember 22, 2011 · Drugs - Medical devices
- Patient Data ModuleDecember 9, 2011 · Medical devices · Medical devices · Type III
- Endopath ETS45 Endoscopic Linear CutterNovember 29, 2011 · Medical devices · Medical devices · Type III
- CooperVision expands recall list of contact lensesNovember 16, 2011 · Medical devices · Product safety
- Unlicensed HIV Home Test Kit: Accu-HIV 1 & 2 Saliva TestNovember 12, 2011 · Medical devices · Unauthorized product
- SynchroMed II Implantable Drug Infusion Pumps - Urgent Medical Device Correction Letter - For Health ProfessionalsOctober 26, 2011 · Medical devices
- Navios Flow Cytometry Software (two different models)October 24, 2011 · Medical devices · Medical devices · Type II
- Central Vascular Access Devices - Complications of Catheter Pinch-off - Notice to HospitalsAugust 23, 2011 · Medical devices
- Level 1 Normothermic I.V. Fluid Administration Sets equipped with F-50 Gas Vent Filter Assembly - Market Withdrawal - Notice to HospitalsJuly 21, 2011 · Medical devices
- Boston Scientific Urgent Device Notification - Non-Sterile Devices Stolen and Risk of Infection - Notice to HospitalsMay 25, 2011 · Medical devices
- List of Recalled Health Products Manufactured by Triad GroupApril 29, 2011 · Medical devices · Contamination
- Triad Group Manufactured Health Products Continue to be Recalled from the Canadian MarketApril 21, 2011 · Medical devices · Contamination
- RUSCH Irrigation Trays - Potential Contamination of Co-Packaged Alcohol Prep Pads - Notice to HospitalsApril 13, 2011 · Medical devices
- Bertec Model FLH668NDCM Medical Beds - Recall due to the Potential for the Head or Foot Section to Drop Unexpectedly - Notice to HospitalsApril 6, 2011 · Medical devices
- (Update) Plum A+ Infusion Pumps - Recall Due to Audible Alarm Failure - Notice to HospitalsMarch 29, 2011 · Medical devices
- Plum A+ Infusion Pumps - Recall Due to Audible Alarm Failure - Notice to HospitalsMarch 29, 2011 · Medical devices
- Important Information: Additional Recalled Lubricating Jelly ProductsFebruary 17, 2011 · Medical devices · Contamination - Product safety
- Important Information: Additional Health Products Co-packaged with Recalled Alcohol Prep PadsFebruary 4, 2011 · Medical devices · Contamination
- Bowers Medical Ltd. Recalls a Number of Triad ProductsJanuary 14, 2011 · Medical devices · Contamination - Product safety