What's New
Advisory
Three companies voluntarily recalling all lots of
their antipsychotic medication due to possible contamination issues
In consultation with Health Canada, three companies
(Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Company, Laboratoires Riva Inc. and Sanis Health Inc.)
are voluntarily recalling all lots of their antipsychotic product (Quetiapine)
due to potential contamination with an antibiotic product (Clindamycin) during
the manufacturing process.
Health Canada Advisory
Information Update
Health Canada’s review of Diane-35 supports current labelling and use
Health Canada’s review of the safety of the anti-acne medication Diane-35 has found that the drug’s benefits continue to outweigh the risks, when used as authorized. In Canada, Diane-35 is approved for the temporary treatment of severe acne – with associated symptoms of high levels of male hormone, including seborrhea (oily skin) and mild hirsutism (excessive body hair) – in women who are unresponsive to other available treatments. It should not be used in patients with a history that puts them at risk for blood clots, and is not approved for use as an oral contraceptive.
Health Canada Information Update
Advisory
Marketed leather cleaners and liquid incense are being
used to get “high”: Poses serious dangers to Canadians
Health Canada has been made aware of three products
(“Rochefort”, “Rush” and “Amsterdam Special”), commonly known as “poppers”,
labelled to contain alkyl nitrites . These products, labelled as leather
cleaners and/or liquid incense, are known to be used by consumers to get “high”
and may pose serious risks to health if they are inhaled or swallowed.
Health Canada Advisory
Health Professional and Public Communication
Zithromax/Zmax SR (azithromycin) - Risk of Potentially
Fatal Irregular Heart Beats - Pfizer Canada Inc.
The product monographs for Zithromax and Zmax SR,
azithromycin-containing antibiotics used for the treatment of many infections,
were updated to include additional information pertaining to the risk of
potentially fatal irregular heart beats.
Health Canada Health Professional Communication
Health Canada Public Communication
NDSAC Meeting of June 9 and 10, 2013
The proposed meeting of the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) for June 9 and 10, 2013 is cancelled.
The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for September 8 and 9, 2013. The deadline to receive submissions for a drug scheduling application for this meeting is by end of day Wednesday, July 10, 2013.