Health Canada has recalled several bodybuilding products from a nutritional supplement store in Lethbridge, Alberta, warning consumers of potential side effects from using this unapproved drug.
The agency said in a notice released Wednesday that Lethbridge's nutritional supplements and vitamins may be unsafe if products containing ingredients not approved by Health Canada are sold.
Many products contain yohimbine, which can be used in bodybuilding or to improve sexual performance.
According to Health Canada, yohimbine, also known as rauwolfia, can cause serious side effects in people who have high blood pressure or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
Side effects of yohimbine can include nausea, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, increased blood pressure or heart rate, and trouble sleeping.
Another illegal drug is albuterol. Not currently used in Canada, it is a prescription drug used to treat asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Excessive doses of albuterol can lead to a low level of potassium in the blood and abnormal heart rhythms.
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Some products contain testosterone, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that WebMD says mimics the activity of testosterone in the body.
Health Canada The long-term effects of Testolone and other SARMs on the body are unknown; Side effects of SARMs can include heart failure, bleeding, and liver damage.
The agency said people using the product should stop using it and report any other unauthorized product to Health Canada.
A full list of covered products can be found on the Health Canada website.
Global News reached out to Lethbridge Supplements and Vitamins for comment and did not receive a response at the time of publication.
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