More threads by David Baxter PhD

David Baxter PhD

Late Founder
Unauthorized skin creams and lotions sold at various retailers in Quebec may pose serious health risks
Health Canada
August 1, 2018


Health Canada seized eight unauthorized skin lotions and creams from Ayotai Canada because they are labelled to contain a prescription drug (clobetasol propionate or betamethasone dipropionate). The unauthorized lotions and creams were distributed by Ayotai and sold by various retailers in Quebec.

Prescription drugs can only be dispensed by a healthcare professional to a patient with a valid prescription. The products listed below have not been evaluated by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness or quality and may pose serious health risks.

Product Name
Labelled Ingredient
Betasol Cream clobetasol propionate 0.05%
Betasol Lotion clobetasol propionate 0.05%
Diproson Cream betamethasone dipropionate
clobetasol propionate 0.05%
L’abdijanaise Cream clobetasol propionate 0.05%
Lemonvate Cream clobetasol propionate 0.05%
Natural Papaya Cream clobetasol propionate 0.05%
Nature Secrète Cream clobetasol propionate 0.05%

What you should do

  • Do not use these products. Consult with your health care professional if you have used any of these products and have health concerns.
  • Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
  • Report adverse events to health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or by reporting online, by mail or by fax.
  • Report complaints about health products to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-800-267-9675, or complete an online complaint form.

Who is affected

  • Consumers who have bought or used these products, particularly pregnant or nursing women.

Background
Clobetasol propionate is a highly potent topical (applied to the skin) corticosteroid prescription drug used to treat inflammatory skin conditions. It should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Side effects include skin irritation, weakening or deterioration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce adverse effects, including symptoms of adrenal suppression (low blood pressure, low blood sugar, weight loss, muscle pain, gastrointestinal problems, and severe fatigue) or Cushing’s syndrome (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, weight gain, muscle weakness, bone loss, and severe fatigue) depending on how much has been absorbed. Clobetasol should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

Betamethasone dipropionate
is a highly potent corticosteroid prescription drug that can be used topically (applied to the skin) to treat inflammatory skin conditions. It should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Side effects from topical use include skin irritation and, with prolonged use, skin weakening or deterioration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce adverse effects, including symptoms of adrenal suppression (low blood pressure, low blood sugar, weight loss, muscle pain, gastrointestinal problems, and severe fatigue) or Cushing’s syndrome (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, weight gain, muscle weakness, bone loss, and severe fatigue) depending on how much has been absorbed. Betamethasone dipropionate should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
 
Replying is not possible. This forum is only available as an archive.
Top