According to the news release, the products are being recalled because the company cannot prove that the products will stay safe until the expiry date.
Multiple lots were sold nationally and have ingredients, such as acetaminophen, that were not in the amounts listed on the label.
Lower amounts of these ingredients can result in less effective results while taking more than the labelled quantity can exceed the maximum daily dose.
Taking too much acetaminophen, for example, can pose serious health risks such as liver damage.
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, sweating, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
Health Canada identified these issues during an inspection and originally issued a recall in September – this recall is now being expanded after further investigation.
People should stop taking the products, follow local guidelines for disposing these medications or return the product to a local pharmacy for proper disposal.
The affected products and their generic store brand include:
Extra Strength Total Symptom Relief Sugar-Free (DIN: 02420937)
Biomedic, Equate, Pharmasave, Wellness by London Drugs
Extra Strength Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cold and Flu (DIN: 02238890)
Atoma, Biomedic, Life Brand, Option+, Personelle, Pharmasave, Rexall, Teva, Wellness by London Drugs, Western Family
Regular Strength Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cold and Flu (DIN: 02047349)
Atoma, Life Brand, Personelle, Pharmasave, Rexall, Teva, Western Family
Life Brand extra strength Hot Lemon Relief for Symptoms of Cough, Cold and Flu (DIN: 02246848)
Life Brand Nighttime Total Extra Strength (DIN: 02344548)
Total Flu (DIN: 02442787)
Atoma, Biomedic, Option+, Personelle, Pharmasave, Rexall
Contact CellChem Pharmaceuticals Inc. at1-844-481-8884 or email [email protected] for questions about the recall.
Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.
