Link: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_06-eng.php

Warning
2010-06
January 14, 2010
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the unauthorized product "The Slimming Coffee," which was previously sold as "Lose Weight Coffee," because it was found to contain the undeclared prescription drug sibutramine and may pose serious health risks. This product is promoted as a natural coffee beverage used for weight-loss.

Sibutramine is used to treat obesity and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Sibutramine may cause serious side effects including cardiovascular reactions such as increased blood pressure, chest pain, and stroke. Other side effects include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.

Follow up:

Sibutramine should not be taken by people who have had a heart attack, coronary artery disease, heart-related chest pain, irregular heart beats, congestive heart failure, a stroke or symptoms of a stroke, or unstable or poorly controlled high blood pressure. It should also not be taken by patients who have clinically diagnosed depression or a psychiatric illness and are taking prescription drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, or herbal preparations such as St. John’s Wort. Sibutramine is not recommended for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

Heath Canada has been advised by the Canadian distributor, Gateway International of Ville Saint-Laurent, Québec, that it previously sold the product as "Lose Weight Coffee," but then it introduced its own label and has since been selling the product as "The Slimming Coffee." Gateway International has indicated that, despite different product labels, "Lose Weight Coffee" and "The Slimming Coffee" are the same product, which is manufactured in China by MeiYa Technology Building. Gateway International has stopped selling these products.