Latest News and Resources

• Health Canada: Ezetrol (ezetimibe) and the Risks of Drug-Induced Liver Injury and Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions 2024-03-27
  
• Health Canada: JAMP Guanfacine XR 1mg tablets: One lot recalled as some bottles may also contain higher strength tablets 2023-12-14
  
• Health Canada: Donepezil 10 mg tablets: One lot recalled due to possible oversized tablets 2023-11-24
  
• Health Canada: Cromolyn Eye Drops recalled due to risk of infection 2023-08-04
  
• Health Canada: Recall of one lot of pms-Hydromorphone due to packaging error that could potentially lead to overdose 2022-08-20
  
• Consumer Medication Incident Reporting Initiative 2020-01-02
  

News Archives

• 5 Questions to Ask About Your Medications – Video
  
• One Simple Solution for Medication Safety – Doc Mike Evans Video
  
• Consumers can help prevent harm from opioid use - Video
  
• Health Canada: Nature's Bounty Kids Multivitamin Gummies recalled due to missing label information that could create a choking hazard for children under four years old 2023-05-31
  
• Health Canada: Bausch Health, Canada Inc. recalls all lots of Emerade epinephrine auto-injectors (0.3 mg and 0.5 mg strengths) due to possible device failure 2023-05-05
  
• Health Canada: IMBRUVICA (ibrutinib) - Risk of Serious and Fatal Cardiac Arrhythmias or Cardiac Failure 2022-08-29
  
• Health Canada: UPDATE - Sodium Acetate Injection, USP - Potential for the Presence of Particulate Matter 2022-03-15
  
• Health Canada: RUZURGI (amifampridine) - Removal from Canadian Market: Options for Continued Treatment for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome 2022-03-11
  
• Health Canada: 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP - Potential Leak During Pressure Infusion 2022-03-09
  
• Health Canada: PAXLOVID (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) - Dosing and Dispensing in Renal Impairment, Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions, and English-Only Labels 2022-01-17
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada safety review finds link between the use of Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) and increased risk of serious heart-related issues and cancer 2022-01-12
  
• Health Canada: Herberex may pose serious health risks; Health Canada suspends product licence 2021-12-31
  
• Health Canada: Multiple cold and flu powdered medications, for adults and children 12 years of age and older, recalled due to potential health risks 2021-12-20
  
• Health Canada: COMIRNATY (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA, also referred to as Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine): New Formulation for Use in Children Aged 5 Years to Less Than 12 Years 2021-11-19
  
• Health Canada: Distribution of SPIKEVAX (elasomeran) COVID-19 Vaccine with English-only Vial and Carton Labels 2021-11-10
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada is updating the labels of the Janssen and Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccines 2021-11-09
  
• Health Canada: Two lots of TUMS Assorted Berries Extra Strength Tablets recalled because they may contain metal fragments 2021-11-04
  
• Health Canada: Mint Pharmaceuticals Inc. recalls all lots of losartan 2021-10-26
  
• Health Canada: Ivermectin not authorized to prevent or treat COVID-19; may cause serious health problems 2021-10-19
  
• Health Canada: Recall: One lot of Riva-Risperidone 0.25 mg tablets recalled due to a packaging error 2021-10-09
  
• Health Canada: Two lots of Novo-Gesic Forte/Acetaminophen recalled due to labelling error that may lead to overdose and in the most severe cases, death 2021-10-06
  
• Health Canada: One lot of GENIUS Kids and Teens softgel capsules recalled due to possible bacterial contamination 2021-10-06
  
• Health Canada: Two lots of Advil Cold & Sinus Day/Night Convenience Pack recalled due to labelling error that may cause confusion between daytime and nighttime tablets 2021-10-03
  
• Health Canada: One lot of Mirvala 28 birth control pill recalled 2021-09-30
  
• Health Canada: One lot of the hypoglycemia treatment Glucagon recalled as it may pose serious health risks 2021-09-25
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada suspends licence and requested a recall for PURE75 gel hand sanitizer due to potential serious health risks 2021-09-23
  
• Health Canada: Multiple lots of irbesartan, losartan and valsartan drugs recalled due to azido impurity 2021-09-16
  
• Health Canada: Ivermectin not authorized to prevent or treat COVID-19; may cause serious health problems 2021-08-31
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada updates Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine label to reflect very rare reports of Bell's Palsy 2021-08-06
  
• Health Canada: Martin Clinic Liquid Vitamin D recalled due to incorrect dosing and missing safety information on the label 2021-07-06
  
• Health Canada: Important Safety Information on CHAMPIX (varenicline) - Potential Risk Posed by Long-Term Exposure to Nitrosamine Impurity, N-nitrosovarenicline, Exceeding Acceptable Intake Limit 2021-06-30
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada issues label change on the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines 2021-06-29
  
• Health Canada: Importation of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna with up to 15 Doses per Vial and English-only Vial and Carton Labels (US-Labelled Supply) 2021-06-14
  
• Health Canada: RUZURGI (amifampridine) - Removal from Canadian Market: Options for Continued Treatment for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome 2021-06-10
  
• Health Canada: Labelling update regarding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy and risk of kidney damage to unborn babies 2021-06-08
  
• Health Canada: Multiple lots of irbesartan, losartan and valsartan drugs recalled due to azido impurity 2021-05-30
  
• Health Canada: CanPrev Natural Health Products Ltd. recalls certain lots of Magnesium Bis-Glycinate Powder 250 because of a packaging error 2021-05-08
  
• Health Canada: Bamlanivimab - Potential Risk of Treatment Failure Due to Circulation of Resistant SARS-CoV-2 Variants 2021-04-28
  
• Health Canada: Importation of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine with Two Types of English-only Vial and Carton Labels 2021-04-26
  
• Health Canada: Talc: Health risks associated with inhalation and exposure to the female genital area 2021-04-22
  
• Health Canada: Certain lots of L'il Critters and vitafusion vitamins recalled due to metal wire fragments 2021-04-20
  
• Health Canada: Muscle-relaxant OrfenAce 100 mg tablets recalled because of nitrosamine impurity 2021-04-16
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada has initiated a safety review on Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib), used to treat arthritis and ulcerative colitis 2021-04-06
  
• Health Canada: Important Safety Information on the Importation of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine with English-only Vial and Carton Labels (US-Labelled Supply) - AstraZeneca Canada Inc. 2021-04-01
  
• HealthPRO: Better labelling lowers the risk of harm: HealthPRO and ISMP Canada partner to develop guidelines 2021-03-16
  
• Health Canada: Product licence suspended for Perfect Sports Core Series Pure Creatine; all lots recalled 2021-03-05
  
• Health Canada: Recall of one lot of Perfect Sports Core Series Pure Creatine (also known as Creatine Powder) due to dangerous levels of Vitamin D contamination 2021-02-21
  
• Health Canada: Testing confirms Bio Life hand sanitizer poses health risks; products recalled across Canada 2021-01-29
  
• Health Canada: GILENYA (fingolimod) - Risk of Liver Injury 2021-01-18
  
• Health Canada: Important Safety Information on SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) and the Risk of Overdose or Underdose when Switching Between Dosage Forms or Routes of Administration 2021-01-07
  
• Health Canada: GUM Paroex (anti-gingivitis oral rinse) being recalled due to microbial contamination that could lead to respiratory and other infections in patients 2020-12-24
  
• Health Canada: Hand sanitizers labelled as "Anti-Microbe" and/or with DIN 02248351 recalled because they may pose health risks, particularly to children 2021-01-22
  
• Health Canada: Bacitracin for Injection (50,000 IU per vial) and the Risk of Nephrotoxicity and Anaphylactic Reactions 2020-12-21
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada warns Canadians not to buy COVID-19 vaccines sold online or from unauthorized sources 2020-12-16
  
• Health Canada: FIBRISTAL (ulipristal acetate tablets, 5 mg) - Voluntary Withdrawal in Canada due to Risk of Drug-Induced Liver Injury 2020-09-30
  
• Health Canada: Laboratoire Atlas Inc. is recalling one lot of "ATLAS - Codeine phosphate syrup 5 mg/mL" because some bottles contain isopropyl rubbing alcohol 2020-10-29
  
• Health Canada: Five lots of anti-gingivitis oral rinse GUM Paroex recalled due to microbial contamination 2020-10-29
  
• Health Canada: Benzocaine products should not be used in children under two years of age 2020-10-15
  
• Health Canada: Allergan Inc. voluntarily withdraws its drug Fibristal, used to treat uterine fibroids, from the Canadian market 2020-09-30
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada reviews safety of drug Fibristal again following new case of liver injury 2020-09-16
  
• Health Canada: Important Safety Information on ESBRIET (pirfenidone) - Risk of Drug-Induced Liver Injury 2020-09-14
  
• Health Canada: Hand Sanitizers and Children's Safety: What you need to know 2020-09-04
  
• Newsletter: Hospital to Home: Know Your Medications before You Leave 2020-08-13
  
• Health Canada: Recall of certain hand sanitizers that may pose health risks 2020-08-04
  
• Health Canada: Three lots of antidiuretic DDAVP Spray recalled because of potential overdose risk 2020-07-16
  
• Health Canada: Counterfeit respirators 2020-07-06
  
• Health Canada: Recall of certain hand sanitizers that may pose health risks 2020-07-03
  
• Health Canada: Use of the drug Picato may increase the risk of skin cancer 2020-07-02
  
• Newsletter: Prevent Accidental Poisoning Caused by Cleaning Products and Hand Sanitizers 2020-06-18
  
• Health Canada: Recall of certain hand sanitizers that may pose health risks 2020-06-17
  
• Newsletter: Safe Storage and Disposal of Medications during the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020-06-03
  
• Health Canada: Recall of certain hand sanitizers that may pose health risks 2020-06-06
  
• Health Canada: Risk of poisoning from hand sanitizers sold in beverage containers 2020-06-10
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada advises Canadians to help support the continued supply of medications 2020-06-01
  
• CBC News: Hand sanitizers packaged in beverage containers create alcohol poisoning risk: experts 2020-06-01
  
• Health Canada: Cisatracurium Omega Multi-Dose (Cisatracurium Besylate Injection): Temporary change of ferrule (metal seal) colour to maintain continued supply in Canada 2020-05-25
  
• Health Canada: Importation of US-Labelled Rocuronium Bromide Injection distributed by Avir Pharma Inc. Due to Shortage of Canadian-labelled Rocuronium 2020-05-25
  
• Newsletter: Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms at Home 2020-05-14
  
• Newsletter: You Can Make a Difference: Help Prevent Medication Shortages 2020-04-28
  
• Health Canada: Unauthorized test kits claiming to diagnose or detect COVID-19 put your health at risk 2020-05-07
  
• Health Canada: Protect yourself and your family from poisonings: always read and follow the label directions when using hand sanitizers, disinfectants, household cleaning products and bleaches 2020-05-05
  
• Health Canada: Shortage of salbutamol inhalers in Canada 2020-04-17
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada: COVID-19 — Updated Requirements for Post-Consumer Returns Containing Controlled Substances 2020-04-16
  
• Health Canada: Clinical management support: Known interference between Hemlibra®(emicizumab injection) and lab assays used to diagnose coagulopathy / DIC caused by COVID-19 infection - Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 2020-04-17
  
• Health Canada: Fraudulent and unauthorized N95 respirators may not protect consumers against COVID-19 2020-04-14
  
• Health Canada: Stockpiling drugs can lead to local shortages: Canadians urged not to buy more medication than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020-03-30
  
• Health Canada: Health products that make false or misleading claims to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 may put your health at risk 2020-03-27
  
• Health Canada: No scientific evidence that ibuprofen worsens COVID-19 symptoms 2020-03-20
  
• Newsletter: How to Prepare for a Virtual Meeting with Your Health Care Provider 2020-04-15
  
• Newsletter: What You Need to Know about Your Blood Thinners 2020-03-04
  
• Health Canada: Cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with some medical devices with Bluetooth Low Energy chips 2020-03-11
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada suspends licence for Performance Plus capsules: Product may pose serious health risks 2020-02-11
  
• Health Canada: Consumer Questionnaire about Selection and Purchase of Natural Health Products 2020-02-03
  
• Newsletter: How Much Iron Is in Here? 2020-02-05
  
• Newsletter: Who Keeps the Box? Are Your Prescriptions Properly Labelled? 2020-01-08
  
• Health Canada: Important Safety Update on XELJANZ / XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) – Risk of Thrombosis 2019-12-02
  
• Health Canada: ULORIC ® (febuxostat) - Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Fatal Outcomes 2019-11-04
  
• ISMP Canada supports Long-Term Care Public Inquiry Recommendations 2019-07-31
  
• Newsletter: When Medications Are Not Available Due to a Drug Shortage 2019-11-13
  
• Newsletter: Biologics and Biosimilars: What You Need to Know 2019-10-09
  
• Health Canada: Fluoroquinolones
  Notification - En | Fr, Summary Safety Review - En | Fr - 2019-06-26
  
• Health Canada: Important Safety Information on Alaris Infusion Sets and Alaris 8100 Pump Module - Risk of Over-Infusion Update - 2019-05-30 2019-05-30
  
• Health Canada: Important Safety Information on Intragastric Balloons and Potential Risk of Gastric and Esophageal Perforation, Pancreatitis, and Overinflation 2019-04-17
  
• Newsletter: Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act What It Means for You 2019-08-21
  
• Newsletter: Mistaken Identity – A Recurring Problem 2019-07-24
  
• Newsletter: How to Safely Transfer Your Prescriptions 2019-06-19
  
• Newsletter: Sun-Sensitive Medications 2019-05-01
  
• Health Canada: BENLYSTA (belimumab) - Increased Risk of Serious Depression, Suicidal Ideation or Behaviour, or Self-Injury - GlaxoSmithKline Inc. 2019-04-04
  
• Health Canada: Baxter recalls two lots of Extraneal peritoneal dialysis solution because of high levels of sodium hypochlorite, which may pose serious health risks 2019-03-23
  
• Health Canada: Clinical trial finds an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and of death in rheumatoid arthritis patients taking high dose of tofacitinib (sold as Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR) 2019-03-15
  
• Health Canada: Health products manufactured by Professional Botanicals Inc. may pose serious health risks 2018-12-13
  
• Health Canada: Strawberry-flavoured acetaminophen infant oral drops in 24 mL bottles recalled because of defective child-resistant safety caps 2018-12-07
  
• Newsletter: You Asked Us: Checking Medication Expiry Dates 2019-04-10
  
• Newsletter: Consumer "Good Catches" – Part 2: Know Where to Look 2019-03-06
  
• Newsletter: Consumer "Good Catches" – Part 1: Know What to Expect 2019-02-13
  
• Newsletter: Medication Reviews in Long-Term Care Homes 2018-11-14
  
• Health Canada: Several children's strawberry-flavoured acetaminophen syrups recalled because of defective child-resistant safety caps on the bottles 2018-11-14
  
• Health Canada: EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors may stick in their carrier tube 2018-09-28
  
• Health Canada: EpiPen (epinephrine USP) Auto-Injector - Interim Order allowing the importation of AUVI-Q in response to shortages of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr 2018-08-29
  
• Health Canada: ZINBRYTA (daclizumab beta) - Voluntary Withdrawal in Canada due to Risk of Encephalitis 2018-03-16
  
• Newsletter: Insulin Pens: Important Safety Information 2018-10-17
  
• Newsletter: Have Unused Medications Overstayed Their Welcome? 2018-09-19
  
• Health Canada: Chipped pills in additional packages of Alysena 21 and 28 birth control pills 2018-03-08
  
• Newsletter: You Asked Us: "Should I Change My Pharmacy after a Mistake?" 2018-08-29
  
• Newsletter: Brand Name Extension: What Does It Mean? 2018-07-18
  
• Newsletter: Using Your Own Medications While in Hospital 2018-04-25
  
• Newsletter: Do NOT Delay Starting Certain Medications 2018-03-23
  
• Newsletter: New Symptoms: Could They Be Related to Your Medications? 2018-02-22
  
• Health Canada: TECENTRIQ (atezolizumab) - Risk of Myocarditis 2018-02-14
  
• ISMP Canada: Consultation on the Naming of Biologic Drugs is Open: January 18 to February 9, 2018 2018-01-18
  
• Health Canada: Shortage of EpiPen (0.3 mg) auto-injector in Canada 2018-01-18
  
• Newsletter: Don't Be Embarrassed to Talk to Your Pharmacist 2018-01-17
  
• Health Canada: OFEV (nintedanib) - Risk of Drug-Induced Liver Injury and the Need for Regular Monitoring of Liver Function 2018-01-11
  
• Health Canada: Summary Safety Review - Green tea extract-containing natural health products - Assessing the potential risk of liver injury (hepatotoxicity) 2017-11-15
  
• Health Canada: INVOKANA® (canagliflozin) and INVOKAMET® (canagliflozin and metformin) - Risk of Lower Limb Amputation 2017-09-06
  
• Health Canada: Gentamicin Injection USP (10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL) - Potential for Adverse Reactions with 12 Lots Contaminated with Histamine 2017-06-29
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada provides information on shortage of injectable sodium bicarbonate products in Canada 2017-06-17
  
• Newsletter: Save a Life—Get a Naloxone Kit to Treat an Opioid Overdose 2017-12-05
  
• The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada and Pear Healthcare Solutions Deliver a Collaborative Response to the Opioid Crisis: Opioid Safety Information Sheet Available in Pharmacies Across Canada 2017-04-24
  
• Newsletter: Keep Your Vaccinations Up to Date 2017-10-11
  
• Newsletter: Talking to Your Pharmacist May Prevent Harm 2017-09-20
  
• Newsletter: Do You Know Your Medication Allergies? 2017-08-16
  
• Newsletter: Opioids – Be an Informed Consumer 2017-07-27
  
• Newsletter: Losing Medications Can Spoil Your Vacation 2017-06-14
  
• Health Canada: Health Product Risk Communication for MIFEGYMISO (mifepristone and misoprostol tablets) 2017-05-17
  
• Newsletter: Know and Share Your Weight in Kilograms 2017-05-10
  
• Health Canada: Pfizer Canada recalls two lots of EpiPen / EpiPen Jr auto-injectors (0.3 mg and 0.15 mg epinephrine) due to possible device failure 2017-04-01
  
• Newsletter: Suddenly Stopping a Medication Can Be Harmful 2017-03-22
  
• Health Canada: KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) - Risk of Severe Skin Reactions: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis 2017-03-16
  
• Health Canada: Buckley's syrups recalled due to potential choking hazard 2017-03-09
  
• Newsletter: Some Medications Don't Mix 2017-02-08
  
• Health Canada: Methotrexate - Serious dosing errors 2017-01-26
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada advises that the drug hCG is not authorized or proven effective for weight loss 2017-01-19
  
• Health Canada: Unauthorized products "Lithium Plus, Serotonin Support, and Brain Support" may pose serious health risks 2016-12-22
  
• What to Expect if the Pharmacy Makes a Mistake 2017-01-11
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada reviewing potential negative effects of general anesthetics and sedatives on young children and fetuses 2016-12-22
  
• Know Your Medications before Leaving on a "Pass"! 2016-12-08
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada is releasing an updated Labelling Standard for over-the-counter acetaminophen products to help consumers use these products more safely 2016-09-15
  
• Health Canada: Health Canada reinforces the importance of preventing pregnancy while taking the acne drug isotretinoin to avoid birth defects 2016-09-07
  
• 5 Questions to Ask about Your Medications 2016-09-20
  
• Health Canada: Summary Safety Review - Atypical antipsychotics - Assessing the Potential Risk of Sleep Apnoea 2016-08-16
  
• Health Canada: Solu-Cortef (hydrocortisone sodium succinate for injection) 100 mg/2 mL single-dose Act-O-Vial - Recalled Lots due to Potential for Dosing Error 2016-08-02
  
• Health Canada: New safety measures for prescription codeine and hydrocodone to further restrict use in children and adolescents 2016-07-28
  
• ISMP Canada: Neighbourhood pharmacies and ISMP Canada provide one-page handout for patients prescribed opioids 2016-07-25
  
• Health Canada: Alere Inc. initiating voluntary withdrawal of Alere INRatio® and INRatio® 2 PT/INR Monitoring System that may pose serious health risks 2016-07-16
  
• Beat the Heat: How to Prevent, Recognize, and Manage Heat-Related Illnesses 2016-07-14
  
• Health Canada: Foreign Product Alert: 15 Health Products 2016-07-04
  
• New industry guidance for health product labels will make it easier for Canadians to use products safely 2016-06-30
  
• Government of Canada: About prescription drug abuse 2016-04-14
  
• Health Canada: Foreign Product Alert 2016-06-14
  
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Five Things you need to know about Oral Chemotherapy 2015-03-02
  
• Government of Canada: Learn about the potential risks of buying consumer products online and how you can minimize them. 2016-06-02
  
• Misconceptions about Medicines that Could Be Deadly: Part 3 2016-06-07
  
• Misconceptions about Medicines that Could Be Deadly: Part 2 2016-05-31
  
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Patient and Family Engagement in Primary Care Case Studies Research shows that patient engagement in health care can lead to measurable improvements in safety and quality. 2016-05
  
• Reminder: Contact Lens Cleaning Solutions with Hydrogen Peroxide May Cause Eye Injury 2016-04-26
  

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