Health Canada is investigating the use of NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy and the rare, but serious, risk of kidney problems in an unborn baby that can lead to low levels of amniotic fluid and possible complications, in response to a Drug Safety Communication recently released by the U.S. FDA on this issue. While Health Canada is investigating this issue, the Department is advising pregnant women not to use NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless advised to do so by their healthcare professional. HMC
October 30, 2020October 30, 2020
Updates to safety labelling for benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs
Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like prescription drugs—commonly used to treat sleep and anxiety disorders, certain seizure disorders, and to help relax muscles or relieve muscle pain—can lead to problematic use and substance use disorder. To help mitigate these risks, Health Canada is asking manufacturers to update their safety warnings to include more prominent and consistent messaging for patients and healthcare professionals. HMC
October 28, 2020October 28, 2020
PICATO (ingenol mebutate gel, 0.015% and 0.05%) – Product Withdrawal in Canada due to Potential Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
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
October 16, 2020October 16, 2020
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 and adults for the temporary relief of minor pain from a variety of conditions, including: sore throat, toothache, canker sores, and mouth or gum irritation. In the past, OTC benzocaine products were also used to treat teething pain. HMC
October 15, 2020October 15, 2020
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
October 01, 2020October 1, 2020
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, and powders such as talcum powder, are most likely to provide those wearing PPE such as face visors, goggles and respiratory protective equipment with long-lasting skin protection against friction and shear injuries such as skin tears, blistering, ulcers and hives. Many typical moisturizers do not...
September 30, 2020September 30, 2020
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
September 28, 2020September 28, 2020
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
September 04, 2020September 4, 2020
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
August 04, 2020August 4, 2020
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 Gel Methanol; ethyl acetate Hope, Grace and Healing, DBA HgH Integrative Aromatics 80100887 00158 00161 May 2022 June 2022 August 4 2020 Canadians are also advised to refer to the list of hand sanitizers below that contain technical-grade ethanol and are being recalled from the market because...
August 01, 2020August 1, 2020
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
June 21, 2020June 21, 2020
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 surveyed U.S. parents reported that they worry more about sun protection with their children than their own parents did with them. As well, 90% reported that they believe that teaching their children healthy behaviours when the children are young will help them keep those good habits...
May 11, 2020May 11, 2020
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
May 06, 2020May 6, 2020
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
April 28, 2020April 28, 2020
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 combination with other drugs, such as the antibiotic azithromycin. Patients should use these drugs only under the supervision of a physician. HMC
April 24, 2020April 24, 2020
Shortage of salbutamol inhalers in Canada
Increased demand for salbutamol inhalers due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to reported shortages and limited supply of this product in Canada. Health Canada is taking steps to mitigate the impact of the shortages and is providing advice to Canadians on how to conserve supply. HMC
April 16, 2020April 16, 2020
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 Licence. HMC
April 16, 2020April 16, 2020
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 of these products. Specifically, Health Canada is limiting the period during which technical-grade ethanol can be used to produce hand sanitizers and is strengthening the labelling requirements for these products. HMC
April 14, 2020April 14, 2020
COVID-19 Assessment Centres
There are four COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Peel Region. For locations, please visit: https://peelregion.ca/coronavirus/#test. HMC
April 14, 2020April 14, 2020
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