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Unauthorized intravenous health products pose serious health hazards, Health Canada warns

Monday, October 16, 2006 | 10:41 AM ET

Consumers and health practitioners are being warned that certain unauthorized intravenous products may pose serious health risks, Health Canada has advised.

The three products in the alert are Bismacine (also known as Chromacine), Dioxychlor (also known as DC-3) and Sulfoxime. They are marketed as treatments for health conditions including Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness.

The federal agency also said health practitioners should not use the Bradford High Resolution Microscope to diagnose any conditions. American Biologics of Chula Vista, Calif., manufactures the microscope and the three unauthorized health products.

Bismacine contains high amounts of bismuth, a heavy metal approved for use in certain oral medications. However, using bismuth through injections could lead to cardiovascular collapse, kidney failure or death.

Health Canada believes that residents in Quebec and Nova Scotia may have purchased Dioxychlor and Sulfoxime from an online U.S. pharmacy.

No adverse reactions linked to the use of these products have been reported to Health Canada.

However, Health Canada notes there has been one death and reports of injury related to the use of Bismacine in the United States.

Consumers can contact Health Canada for more information at (613) 957-2991 or 1-866-225-0709.

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