At Health Canada’s request, LEO Pharma Inc. is withdrawing Picato from the Canadian market. This follows a safety review by the Department, which concluded that use of Picato may be associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, and that the benefits of using Picato no longer outweigh its potential risks. HMC
Category: Advice
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Benzocaine products should not be used in children under two years of age
Health Canada is reminding parents and caregivers not to use products containing benzocaine in children under two years of age. Benzocaine products may cause a serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia (MetHb), which reduces the ability of red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain benzocaine are used in children...
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Researchers worried about easy access to injectable neurotoxins online
Using neurotoxin products purchased online can put consumers at serious risk of developing complications that could range from disfiguration to stroke, according to researchers from the University of Miami in Florida. Talk to a qualified physician only. HMC
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Talc and petroleum jelly among the best lubricants for people wearing PPE
Researchers at Imperial College London found the best lubricants for frontline healthcare workers who are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 pandemic are those that do not absorb into the skin, creating a long-lasting layer of protection between skin and PPE. Non-absorptive creams such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, or beeswax mixtures,...
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FIBRISTAL (ulipristal acetate) Withdrawal in Canada due to Risk of Liver Injury
Allergan Inc. has decided to withdraw the drug Fibristal (ulipristal acetate), used to treat uterine fibroids, from the Canadian market. Allergan made this decision in response to a number of international cases of serious liver injury requiring liver transplantation. HMC
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All strengths of MAR-Diltiazem CD, a drug used to treat angina and hypertension, have been recalled because of dosing concerns
Health Canada is informing Canadians that Marcan Pharmaceuticals has recalled all lots of all MAR-Diltiazem CD products in response to data integrity concerns that could lead to incorrect dosing. HMC
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Pharmascience Inc. recalls one lot of PMS-Ranitidine as a precaution
Pharmascience Inc. is recalling one lot of prescription PMS-Ranitidine (150 mg strength tablet) as a precaution after tests found NDMA, a nitrosamine impurity, at close to the accepted level. HMC
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Recall of certain hand sanitizers that contain technical-grade ethanol
Health Canada is advising Canadians that certain lots of the following hand sanitizer are being recalled from the market because they contain ethanol or denaturants that are not acceptable for use in hand sanitizers in Canada. Product Unacceptable Ingredient Recalling Company NPN or DIN Lot numbers Expiry Date Date Added Clean & Green Hand Sanitizer...
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Non-prescription pain relief products containing codeine are not recommended for use in people under 18 years of age
Health Canada is advising Canadians that people under 18 years of age should not use non-prescription pain relief products containing codeine. HMC
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Most parents aware of children’s sun-protection needs
Photo courtesy the American Academy of Dermatology Recently reported findings from a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) revealing encouraging news regarding the public attitude toward sun protection. The key finding is that more parents are reporting that protecting their children from the sun is important to them. AAD revealed that some 74% of...
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Unauthorized test kits claiming to diagnose or detect COVID-19 put your health at risk
Health Canada is warning Canadians not to buy home diagnostic test kits, including mail-in sample collection kits, claiming to diagnose or detect COVID-19 because they may provide inaccurate or false results. These products have not been authorized by Health Canada, which means they have not been reviewed for safety, quality or effectiveness. HMC
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Protect yourself and your family from poisonings: always read and follow the label directions when using hand sanitizers, disinfectants, household cleaning products and bleaches
Health Canada is warning Canadians about the risks of improperly using hand sanitizers, disinfectants, household cleaning products and bleaches, and reminding them to always read and follow the directions on product labels. Product labels for authorized hand sanitizers will display either a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Drug Identification Number (DIN). HMC
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Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can have serious side effects. These drugs should be used only under the supervision of a physician.
Health Canada is concerned that some people may be directly buying and using chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to prevent or treat COVID-19 without a prescription. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may cause serious side effects, including serious heart rhythm problems. The risk of these side effects may increase at higher doses, or if the drugs are used in...
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Fraudulent and unauthorized N95 respirators may not protect consumers against COVID-19
Health Canada has received reports that fraudulent and uncertified N95 respirators that falsely claim to protect consumers against COVID-19 are being illegally sold to consumers online and in some stores. In Canada, N95 respirators are regulated by Health Canada as Class I medical devices and are manufactured or imported by companies that hold a Medical Device Establishment...
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Health Canada is temporarily authorizing the use of technical-grade ethanol in hand sanitizer products
Health Canada has assessed the risks and benefits of hand sanitizers containing technical-grade ethanol and has concluded that, when used as directed and for a short period, the public health benefit to limit the spread of COVID-19 outweighs the risks. Based on its risk assessment, Health Canada is taking action immediately to ensure the safety...
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Peel Region Family Health Service Update
Peel families with young children are able to speak with a Public Health Nurse by calling the Region of Peel at 905-799-7700. Caledon residents can call 905-584-2216. Prenatal clients can register for online prenatal education at prenatalhealthmatters@peelregion.ca. Infant feeding resources and videos are available online www.peelregion.ca/parenting/feeding-baby. HMC
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Online COVID-19 Test Results
Ontario has launched a new user friendly online portal (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/) for the public to easily access their COVID-19 lab test results. HMC
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Homemade hand sanitizers may present health risks
Health Canada is warning Canadians about the potential health risks of making and using homemade hand sanitizers, as homemade recipes and products are becoming increasingly common online. If you have made or used homemade hand sanitizer products, stop using them as the concentration of alcohol in many of these recipes may not be high enough...
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Stockpiling drugs can lead to local shortages: Canadians urged not to buy more medication than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic
Health Canada understands the stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recognizes that Canadians may be concerned about not being able to get medications they rely on for themselves and their loved ones. While the Government of Canada recommends that Canadians refill their prescriptions now so that they do not have to go to a...
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Health products that make false or misleading claims to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 may put your health at risk
Health Canada has received reports about health products that make false or misleading claims related to COVID-19 and is taking action to address them. Health Canada has issued letters to multiple companies directing them to immediately remove these claims from their websites and advertising materials. These reports include a wide range of products that have...