Health Canada has seized a number of unauthorized health products from a store in Richmond, B.C., that “may pose serious health risks” to users. The Health Canada logo is seen in this undated handout. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

Health Canada has seized a number of unauthorized health products from a store in Richmond, B.C., that “may pose serious health risks” to users. The Health Canada logo is seen in this undated handout. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

Cold remedy containing opioid among products seized from B.C. health store

Health Canada says products seized in Richmond ‘may pose serious health risks’

Health Canada has seized unauthorized health and beauty products including a cold remedy containing an opioid from a store in Richmond, B.C., saying the products “may pose serious health risks” to users.

The federal department says the Tokyo Beauty and Healthcare store in the Aberdeen Centre mall was selling a number of items for skin treatment or cold-symptom relief labelled as containing prescription or controlled drugs.

One of the cold treatments, Pabron Gold A Granules, contains an opioid, while two eye and skin products contain aminocaproic acid, a prescription drug used to decrease bleeding, but which may cause dizziness, nausea and muscle weakness.

The department says this is the second time in the past few months that unauthorized health products were seized from a Tokyo Beauty and Healthcare store.

Last September, Health Canada said it seized a number of products from another Richmond location that had ingredients that should only be used “under the advice and supervision of a health care professional.”

It says the products should be taken to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

The department says the sale of unauthorized health products is illegal because they have not been assessed by Health Canada for safety and quality, which can be dangerous if certain ingredients interact with other medications or foods.

READ ALSO: Federal RCMP seize 27 tonnes of contraband cigarettes in B.C.

Health