Foreign Product Alert: Health Canada

July 19, 2006

Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Baike Wan. The product is marketed as an herbal product for relief of muscle and joint pain. This product comes in capsule form and is packaged in blister packs within a green-coloured carton. Click here to view a picture of the package.

In April 2006, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority issued a warning advising consumers not to use Baike Wan because it was found to contain the prescription drugs piroxicam and frusemide, and the over-the-counter drug chlorpheniramine, which have the potential to induce multiple adverse effects if taken without medical supervision.

Piroxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent which can cause blood disorders, gastritic bleeding, kidney impairment and serious skin reactions.

Frusemide is a diuretic which may cause dizziness and electrolyte imbalance.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine with side-effects that include drowsiness, blurred vision and psychomotor impairment.