LinkGlobal Food is recalling unauthorized Yunnan Baiyao Toothpaste because it includes tranexamic acid, which is a prescription drug, and may pose serious health risks. The company says that the toothpaste prevents bleeding gums and has packaged and labelled it in Chinese characters, so consumers might not understand information about its ingredients, usage, dosage, and side effects, Health Canada reports.
Tranexamic acid is used to prevent or reduce bleeding by slowing the breakdown of blood clots. It is usually administered by mouth or intravenously. Tranexamic acid should be used with caution with blood thinners and anti-inflammatories, estrogen therapy, medicines used to help blood clotting, birth control pills, hydrochlorothiazide, desmopressin, ranitidine, or nitroglycerin.
Side effects of tranexamic acid include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, eye problems, blood clots in the lungs or legs, stroke, vision changes, allergic reactions (rash; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; or trouble breathing), convulsions, and severe dizziness. It should not be used by people with a history or risk of blood clots or other clotting problems, a history of bleeding in the brain, disturbances in color vision, heart disease, or kidney problems. It also should not be used by people who are allergic to tranexamic acid or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness, or quality and may pose serious health risks. They also may include ingredients, additives, or contaminated ingredients not listed on the label. Plus, unauthorized health products may lack the active ingredients consumers would expect them to include to help maintain and improve their health, or they may include ingredients that could interact with other medications and foods. Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal.
Health Canada advises consumers to stop using Yunnan Baiyo Toothpaste and to consult their healthcare professionals if they have health concerns. The agency also advises consumers to read product labels to verify that they are authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number, Natural Product Number, or Homeopathic Drug Number. Authorized products also are listed on Health Canada’s Drug Products Database and Licensed Natural Health Products Database.
Contact LinkGlobal Food at (289) 597-1166 or daniel@linkglobal.ca for more information about the recall. Adverse reactions to the toothpaste or other complaints should be reported to Health Canada, which is monitoring the recall and working with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent further importation of these products.
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