Unauthorised skin care products containing steroids and antibiotics have been seized by Health Canada, after they were spotted being sold direct to consumers.
The Canadian regulator seized eight unauthorised lotions and creams from Ayotai Canada, which were labelled to contain clobetasol propionate and betamethasone dipropionate – both forms of highly potent topical corticosteroid.
It later seized two other products from Elikya Canada and Abeit Distributions, labelled to contain betamethasone dipropionate and antibiotic Neomycin sulphate.
The products in question include: Neoprosone Gel Forte, Nature Secrète Cream, Natural Papaya Cream, Lemonvate Cream, L'abdijanaise Cream, Haloderm, Diproson Cream, Betasol Lotion and Betasol Cream.
By law, products containing prescription drugs cannot be sold unless they are dispensed by a healthcare professional to a patient with a valid prescription.
Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the products, and to report any complaints or adverse events; it emphasised that they have not been evaluated by the regulatory body for safety, effectiveness or quality, and may pose serious health risks.
It has requested the companies recall the products distributed.
