Health Canada has just issued 2 warnings for medications that have been linked to serious adverse events.
Caprelsa Warning
Health Canada just announced that the thyroid cancer drug, Caprelsa (vandetanib) is linked to serious abnormal heart rhythm. It is manufactured by AstraZeneca Canada Inc. and they, along with Health Canada, have advised Canadian healthcare providers about the safety of Caprelsa which was recently approved by Health Canada.
Caprelsa was approved to treat medullary thyroid cancer in adult patients where either the tumor cannot be removed surgically or the cancer has spread from the thyroid gland to other parts of the body.
Caprelsa, which is only available through a Restricted Distribution Program, can cause serious heart rhythm changes, which may result in sudden death if left untreated.
In addition to abnormal heart rhythm, patients have also reported rash and other skin reactions, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, and vision abnormalities. Adverse reactions in patients taking Caprelsa should be reported to AstraZeneca Canada or Health Canada.
Caprelsa can only be prescribed by a doctor who has completed certification to participate in the Caprelsa Restricted Distribution Program and who is experienced in the use of anti-cancer drugs. To be able to receive Caprelsa, patients must be enrolled in the program by their certified doctor.
MMS Supplement Warning
MMS supplements, known as Miracle Mineral Solution or Miracle Mineral Supplement, has just been linked to serious adverse events, and Heath Canada has issued a warning stating so.
MMS product information lists sodium chlorite as an ingredient and has promoted this as a substance that can cleanse toxins from the human body. Health Canada notes that there are no therapeutic products containing sodium chlorite authorized for oral consumption by humans in Canada. Serious problems linked to MMS include poisoning; kidney failure; and harm to red blood cells, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. People may also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Health Canada warned Canadians who purchased MMS at www.themmsstore.com and to consult their health care practitioners if they have used or are using MMS products.
This MMS product claims to contain 28% sodium chlorite solution. Based on these claims, when taken as directed, MMS provides approximately 200 times more sodium chlorite than the tolerable daily intake of sodium chlorite in water, as established by the agency. According to Health Canada, ingestion of this product has been linked to four adverse reactions in Canada, including one life-threatening reaction.
Meanwhile, Health Canada said it advised the distributor that the sale of sodium chlorite for human consumption is in contravention of Canada’s Food and Drugs Act and has asked the distributor to remove this product from the Canadian market, which it has agreed to do. www.themmsstore.com posted a notice saying its account has been suspended, said the Winnepeg Free Press.
Health Canada advised that sodium chlorite is a chemical used mainly as a textile bleaching agent and disinfectant and is authorized in Canada for use as a germicide by veterinarians, as well as a hard surface disinfectant.
Consumers with questions about product disposal or refunds are advised to contact the distributor at 1.403.652.1655, and to report any adverse reactions to Health Canada.