Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the following product listed in the table below due to concerns about possible side-effects. More info

Qili Brand Tongbianling Jiaonang

Sincere Brand ChuanXinLian Jiaonang

Xiangyao Brand Xiangyao Weian Jiaonang

Biflora Brand Fufang Danshen Pian (film-coated)

Biflora Brand 306 Xiaoyan Jiedu capsules

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan

Date of alert April 30, 2008

Source of Alert Health Sciences Authority of Singapore

Product Names Qili Brand Tongbianling Jiaonang

Sincere Brand ChuanXinLian Jiaonang

Xiangyao Brand Xiangyao Weian Jiaonang

Biflora Brand Fufang Danshen Pian (film-coated)

Biflora Brand 306 Xiaoyan Jiedu capsules

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan

Manufacturer / Place of Origin Product name: Qili Brand Tongbianling Jiaonang

Manufacturer: Sichuan Qili Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd

Place of Origin: China

 

Product name: Sincere Brand ChuanXinLian Jiaonang

Manufacturer: Wuhu Rendetang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Place of Origin: China

 

Product name: Xiangyao Brand Xiangyao Weian Jiaonang

Manufacturer: Anhui Mountain Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Place of Origin: China

 

Product name: Biflora Brand Fufang Danshen Pian

Manufacturer: Hefei Shenlu Double Crane Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Place of Origin: China

 

Product name: Biflora Brand 306 Xiaoyan Jiedu Capsule

Manufacturer: Wuhu Rendetang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Place of Origin: China

 

Product name: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan

Manufacturer: Lanzhou Foci Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Place of Origin: China

Product Description Qili Brand Tongbianling Jiaonang is marketed for the treatment of constipation.

Sincere Brand ChuanXinLian Jiaonang is marketed as an anti-inflammatory medication.

Xiangyao Brand Xiangyao Weian Jiaonang is marketed as a treatment for stomach discomfort.

Biflora Brand Fufang Danshen Pian and Biflora Brand 306 Xiaoyan Jiedu capsules are both marketed as anti-inflammatory medications.

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan is of unknown indication.

Reason for Warning The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore recalled Qili Brand Tongbianling Jiaonang, Sincere Brand ChuanXinLian Jiaonang, Xiangyao Brand Xiangyao Weian Jiaonang, Biflora Brand Fufang Danshen Pian (film-coated), Biflora Brand 306 Xiaoyan Jiedu capsules, and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan as they were found to contain high levels of arsenic and/or mercury that exceeded the permissible limits outlined by the HSA standards of safety and quality.

Consumption of excessive amounts of heavy metals, such as arsenic and mercury, poses serious health risks because they may accumulate in vital organs of the body. Children are most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals.

Possible Side-Effects The toxic effects of arsenic include skin and lung cancers, as well as heart and kidney disease, and liver damage.

The toxic effects of mercury include irritability, tremors, memory loss, insomnia, and concentration problems. Mercury can permanently damage the brain and kidneys.