Health Canada orders recall of U-Dream herbal sleep aid products
Credit to Author: Scott Brown| Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 18:50:50 +0000
Health Canada has ordered a recall of U-Dream herbal sleep aid products after samples were found to contain a substance similar to the prescription drug zopiclone, which may pose serious health risks.
The health agency says it tested U-Dream Lite and U-Dream Full Night after receiving complaints of unusual side effects — such as symptoms of withdrawal and dependence —suggesting that the products may contain a substance not listed on the product label.
Side effects of zopiclone, which is used to treat insomnia, include drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, hallucinations and abnormal sleep behaviours — including sleep driving. Zopicline use may lead to dependence or abuse, and stopping the drug abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms, including convulsions, tremor, muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, hallucinations and difficulty sleeping.
In addition, zopiclone should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, children, or patients with breathing difficulties.
Health Canada has asked Biotrade Canada Ltd., which sells U-Dream Lite and U-Dream Full Night in Canada, to recall the products and will take further action as needed.
“The Department has suspended all of the company’s U-Dream and U-Dreams product licences, which means it is now illegal for any person or company to sell these products in Canada,” Health Canada said in an alert.