Unauthorized health products, including an opioid, seized from Richmond store: Health Canada
Posted September 11, 2023 6:15 pm.
Health Canada has seized a number of products from a Richmond health store and is issuing a warning to the public.
Tokyo Beauty and Healthcare, located on Westminster Highway in Richmond, was selling a number of products that are not authorized in Canada and could be harmful.
The products’ labels say they contain prescription, controlled, or over-the-counter drugs, including an opioid.
Health Canada has seized a number of products from a Richmond health store and is issuing a warning to the public. (Courtesy Health Canada)
“Do not use these products,” Health Canada said. “Buy your prescription drugs only from licensed pharmacies. Return products to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.”
It also warns you should consult a medical professional if you have used any of the products purchased from this store.
“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,” Health Canada said.
“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.”
As well, the regulator says, the products may contain ingredients that interact with other medications and foods, and may not even contain the active ingredients that they claim to.
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The opioid product — Baibao Neng Goal A for Relief of Cold Symptoms — contains dihydrocodeine phosphate, which is a controlled substance.
“Dihydrocodeine tablets are approved in certain countries for the relief of severe and chronic pain or as cough suppressants,” but they are not approved in Canada, Health Canada said. “Common adverse reactions include dizziness, headache, vertigo, visual disturbances, confusion, euphoria, nausea, and constipation. As with all opioids, use of dihydrocodeine may lead to drug dependence (addiction).”
The other products include Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Iron + Folic Acid + Vitamin B12 Blood Supplement Tablets, Mentholatum Mediquick Eczema Rash Anti-Itch Cream, Mentholatum Mediquick Ointment, Nichiban Speel Ko, Ohta’s Isan A, Santen Beauteye Contact, Santen PC Eyedrops, and Smile 40EX Gold Cool MAX.
Health Canada has issued a reminder that if anyone suspects an opioid overdose, they should call 911 and administer naloxone if available.
With files from Robyn Crawford
