The products, which are all supplements focusing on beauty from within and claiming health-giving properties, include brand names Anti-Aging Acai Berry, Guarana Blast, Brazilian Pure, Anti-Aging Vital Rez V, Weightloss VitalAcai, Dietary Supplement Acai Power Blast and Muscle Mass.
Health Canada says that the products contain Sildernafil, a prescription drug that is commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction.
The problem with Sildenafil is that it has been proven to cause serious side effects in some individuals, including headaches, hypertension and impaired vision, which means it can only be prescribed by a doctor or supervised by a medical expert.
Serious side affects caused by Sildernafil
Likewise, the side affects are known to be exacerbated if the individual is taking any kind of nitrate-based drug in conjunction with Sildenafil, a combination that can lead to potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.
Any individual suffering from heart problems is also put at heightened risk of cardiovascular side affects such as heart attack if inadvertently exposed to the drug.
Health Canada says that the products it seized are not currently approved for sale in Canada, but has underlined that small scale supplies may have entered the country through individuals, or else it may be possible to purchase it over the internet.
Although Health Canada has not received any reports of adverse reactions from individuals using these products, it suggest that anyone who has purchased or used any of the seven products should consult a health practitioner.
Health Canada and antiperspirant labeling
Most recently Health Canada has given manufacturers of antiperspirant products until the end of 2011 to alter product claims and labeling under new regulation.
Following new guidance on the classification of products on the cosmetics drug interface, aluminum containing antiperspirants are now classified as cosmetics in Canada.
According to the regulatory body, manufacturers of such products will need to change their labels and their product claims in order to fit with cosmetics regulation in the country.