Multiple generic store-brand cold and flu powdered medications for adults and children 12 years of age and older have been recalled by Health Canada. They say you should stop using the recalled products immediately and talk to your healthcare provider if you or your child have taken a recalled product and have health concerns.
The recalled products are available over-the-counter and sold under various generic store-brand labels at many retailers across Canada.
Multiple lots had active ingredients, such as acetaminophen, that were not in the amounts listed on the product label. Health Canada says serious health risks, can develop from taking too much acetaminophen, such as liver damage. Signs of taking too much acetaminophen include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, sweating, loss of appetite and pain in the upper part of the abdomen or stomach. Abdominal pain may be the first sign of liver damage and may not be apparent for 24 to 48 hours. They say risks of taking too much of an active ingredient may be higher for children and adolescents.
Products that contain less than the labelled quantity of active ingredients may be less effective. The manufacturer also couldn’t demonstrate that the products remain safe and of good quality until the expiry date.
Recalled Products
Extra Strength Total Symptom Relief Sugar-Free
Generic Store Brand:
- Biomedic
- Equate
- Pharmasave
- Wellness by London Drugs
DIN: 02420937
Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cold and Flu (Extra strength)
Generic Store Brand:
- Atoma
- Biomedic
- Life Brand
- Option+
- Personelle
- Pharmasave
- Rexall
- Teva
- Wellness by London Drugs
- Western Family
DIN: 02238890
Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cold and Flu (Regular strength)
Generic Store Brand:
- Atoma
- Life Brand
- Personelle
- Pharmasave
- Rexall
- Teva
- Western Family
DIN: 02047349
Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cough, Cold and Flu (Extra Strength)
Generic Store Brand:
- Life Brand
DIN: 02246848
Night Time Total Extra Strength
Generic Store Brand:
- Life Brand
DIN: 02344548
Total Flu
Generic Store Brand:
- Atoma
- Biomedic
- Option+
- Personelle
- Pharmasave
- Rexall
DIN: 02442787
You can report any side effects to Health Canada. If you have questions about the recall, contact CellChem Pharmaceuticals Inc. by calling 1-844-481-8884, or emailing info@cellchempharma.com.