Don't take Slim Magic Herbal products, Health Canada warns
Last Updated: Thursday, June 4, 2009 | 6:03 PM ET
CBC News
Slim Magic Herbal products contain an undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient used to treat obesity, Health Canada says. (Health Canada)Consumers should not take a weight loss product called Slim Magic Herbal, Health Canada warned Thursday.
"Canadians who have this Slim Magic Herbal product are advised to immediately discontinue its use," the department said in a release.
The product was found to contain an undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient similar to the prescription drug sibutramine, which should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, Health Canada advised.
Sibutramine is appetite suppressant used to treat obesity. Serious potential side-effects include cardiovascular reactions, such as increased blood pressure, chest pain, and stroke, in addition to dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.
Sibutramine should not be taken by people who have a heart attack, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, a stroke or symptoms of a stroke.
Slim Magic Herbal products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have been recalled from the Canadian marketplace by the company.
The herbal product also contains glucomannan, a thick soluble fiber used for the treatment of weight loss
Since glucomannan can absorb a lot of water and expand, it may pose a serious health risk due to obstruction of the esophagus, Health Canada said.
Retailers are advised to remove Slim Magic Herbal from their shelves, and consumers should return it to wherever it was purchased.
People should not buy from the products on the internet or from any other source, the department said.
Health Canada added it is taking steps to confirm that the product has been removed from the Canadian market.
