OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the unauthorized product "The Slimming Coffee," which was previously sold as "Lose Weight Coffee," because it was found to contain the undeclared prescription drug sibutramine and may pose serious health risks. This product is promoted as a natural coffee beverage used for weight-loss.

Sibutramine is used to treat obesity and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Sibutramine may cause serious side effects including cardiovascular reactions such as increased blood pressure, chest pain, and stroke. Other side effects include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping and constipation.

Sibutramine should not be taken by people who have had a heart attack, coronary artery disease, heart-related chest pain, irregular heart beats, congestive heart failure, a stroke or symptoms of a stroke, or unstable or poorly controlled high blood pressure. It should also not be taken by patients who have clinically diagnosed depression or a psychiatric illness and are taking prescription drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, or herbal preparations such as St. John's Wort. Sibutramine is not recommended for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

Heath Canada has been advised by the Canadian distributor, Gateway International of Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec, that it previously sold the product as "Lose Weight Coffee," but then it introduced its own label and has since been selling the product as "The Slimming Coffee." Gateway International has indicated that, despite different product labels, "Lose Weight Coffee" and "The Slimming Coffee" are the same product, which is manufactured in China by MeiYa Technology Building. Gateway International has stopped selling these products.

Canadians are advised not to purchase these products from the Internet or from any other source. Consumers who have purchased "The Slimming Coffee" or "Lose Weight Coffee" should consult with a medical professional if they have used either product and have health concerns. Health Canada recommends that consumers talk to a health care practitioner about authorized products for weight loss, and if considering buying health products or medications over the Internet (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/internet-eng.php).

"The Slimming Coffee" and "Lose Weight Coffee" are not authorized for sale in Canada. Health Canada reminds consumers not to use any unauthorized health products as they may pose a risk to health. Authorized health products will bear either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN), or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. This authorization indicates that the product has been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.