Health Canada Issues Warning for Specific-Formula Arthro-Ace

Product Contains Undeclared Dexamethasone

Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the unauthorized health product labelled as Specific-Formula Arthro-Ace as it was found to contain undeclared dexamethasone and may cause serious health effects.

Dexamethasone is a steroidal prescription drug used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and allergic reactions. Prescription drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner as they have the potential to cause serious side-effects.

Side effects associated with the use of dexamethasone include irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcers, blood disorders, skin, muscle and bone damage, nervous system disorders, infections, increased blood sugar, eye disorders, and mood disorders.

Testing of product samples by Health Canada found an average of 0.23 mg of dexamethasone per pill. According to product labelling, 3 pills are to be taken twice daily over 15 days. This amount could be sufficient to cause serious adverse health effects in patients using this product.

As well, dexamethasone should not be taken by people who have certain conditions including gastrointestinal ulcers, Cushings syndrome, severe heart problems, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, tuberculosis, severe systemic infections (viral, bacterial, fungal), certain eye disorders, and osteoporosis.

Abrupt discontinuation of dexamethasone may cause symptoms of withdrawal, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, dizziness and fainting.

Specific Formula Arthro-Ace is being promoted as a natural health product for the relief of arthritic pain. Specific Formula Arthro-Ace products are not authorized for sale in Canada. However, they can be found in retail stores such as Chinese health stores and are sold online.

JULY-10-09: Health Canada Issues Warning for Specific-Formula Arthro-Ace [HEALTH CANADA: ISSUES WARNING FOR SPECIFIC-FORMULA ARTHRO-ACE]

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Published on Jul-10-09