Health Canada seizes unauthorized prescription drug being sold in BC

Health Canada has seized an unauthorized prescription product being sold in B.C.

They are advising consumers that the unauthorized product "Kobayashi Aibon/Eyebon Eyewash" is labelled to contain a prescription drug, aminocaproic acid, and may pose serious health risks.

The product is promoted as an eyewash for contact lens users and for the prevention of eye disease.

Aminocaproic acid is a prescription drug ingredient used to decrease bleeding in various clinical situations, say Health Canada. Exposure to aminocaproic acid in the eye may affect the eye itself, and the acid may be absorbed through the tear ducts into the blood. Side effects may include watery eyes, vision changes, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle weakness, and skin rash.

Health Canada seized two formats, "Cool" and "Mild," from a Tokyo Beauty & Health Care retail location in Richmond, at 120 - 8191 Westminster Highway.

“Prescription drugs should be taken only under the advice and supervision of a healthcare professional because they are used in relation to specific diseases, and may cause serious side effects,” said Health Canada. “The unauthorized health product was packaged and labelled in Japanese ("Eyebon" may also be translated as "Aibon"). As a result, information about ingredients, usage, dosage and side effects may not be understood by all consumers.”

Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal. Health Canada previously warned about this product after it was seized at a different retail store in 2017.