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News & Announcements

2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008

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Health Professional and Public Communication
May 23, 2013

THALOMID (thalidomide capsules) - Risk of Second
Cancers - Celgene Inc.


Information on second cancers has been added to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CONSUMER INFORMATION sections of the THALOMID® Canadian product monograph.

Health Canada Health Professional Communication

Health Canada Public Communication

Health Professional Communication
May 23, 2013

Magnesium Sulfate Injection USP 50%, 50 mL vial - Recall Due to Potential Presence of Glass Particles - Pharmaceutical Partners
of Canada Inc. (PPC)


Pharmaceutical Partners of Canada Inc. (PPC), in consultation with Health Canada, has initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of Magnesium Sulfate Injection USP due to the potential presence of glass particles. In the event where glass particles are injected into a patient, there is the potential for patient injury. Affected vials should be returned to the manufacturer.

Health Canada Health Professional Communication

Notice to Hospitals
May 23, 2013

Covidien Surgical Stapler Reloads - One Lot of Non-Sterile Devices Stolen - Covidien Canada

Covidien Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada, is issuing this notification to inform health professionals of stolen, non-sterile Endo GIA Articulating 60-3.5mm surgical stapler reloads. The use of
non-sterile surgical products may result in a potentially increased risk for infection and require medical intervention.

Health Canada Notice to Hospitals

Advisory
May 21, 2013

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
May 21, 2013

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
May 16, 2013

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
May 16, 2013

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

Notice to Hospitals
May 14, 2013

Cathflo (alteplase) - Particulate matter observed in some vials: additional instructions for use - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited

Hoffmann-La Roche has observed visible rubber stopper
particulates in some vials of CATHFLO (alteplase) following reconstitution. In the event you discover particulate matter upon reconstitution, do not administer CATHFLO to the patient. These visible particulates may pose a safety risk if administered to patients.

Notice to Hospitals

Notice to Hospitals and Public Communication
May 08, 2013

Alenti Lift and Hygiene Chair - Risk of Chair Tipping and Patient Falls - ArjoHuntleigh Canada Inc.

ArjoHuntleigh Canada has issued an important safety information communication regarding the Alenti Lift and Hygiene Chair. Improper use of the chair may cause accidents which can lead to serious patient injury and death.

Health Canada Hospital Communication

Health Canada Public Communication

Notice to Hospitals and Public Communication
May 07, 2013

FL14E Rose Bed - Risk of Bed Siderail Collapse - Stryker Canada

The improper use and maintenance of bed siderails with the hospital bed "FL14E Rose" have led to incidents of latching failure resulting in serious injuries. This Notice provides recommendations for siderail maintenance and proper steps for lifting them safely.

Health Canada Notice to Hospitals

Health Canada Public Communication

Health Professional and Public Communication
May 02, 2013

Avastin (bevacizumab) - Cases of Necrotizing Fasciitis Reported - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited

Cases of necrotizing fasciitis have been reported in patients receiving the anti-cancer drug Avastin. Two cases have been reported in Canada, including one death. If necrotizing fasciitis occurs, Avastin administration should be discontinued. The Canadian product monograph will be updated.

Health Canada Health Professional Communication

Health Canada Public Communication

News Release / Communiqué de presse
May 02, 2013

NAPRA Welcomes New President - Debbie McCulloch / L'ANORP accueille sa nouvelle présidente, madame Debbie McCulloch

News Release / Communiqué de presse

Health Professional and Public Communication
May 01, 2013

THALOMID (thalidomide capsules) - Risk of Arterial Blood Clots - Celgene Inc.

Cases of arterial blood clots have been reported in patients treated with THALOMID, especially during the first 5 months of therapy. The THALOMID Canadian product monograph has been revised to include this updated risk information.

Health Canada Health Professional Communication

Health Canada Public Communication