Health Canada is advising consumers not to use unapproved products containing yohimbine or yohimbe bark, including Strauss Energy SIX capsules. Yohimbine is a prescription substance that can pose serious health risks for people with underlying risk factors.

The use of any unapproved products containing yohimbine, that have not been prescribed by a physician, may result in serious adverse reactions, particularly in people with high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease.

Yohimbine should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, or children. The potential for serious complications for those at risk requires that yohimbine should be available only under medical supervision.

The most consistently reported side effects associated with yohimbine are anxiety and increased urinary frequency. Other reported reactions include dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, sweating, insomnia, tremors, palpitations and severe hypertension.

One of the unapproved products found by Health Canada to contain yohimbine is Strauss Energy SIX, manufactured by Strauss Herb Company, of Kamloops B.C.

Strauss Energy SIX is not authorized for sale in Canada but is promoted to increase energy levels, build body mass, and restore or enhance sexual performance, and is available at retail outlets and over the Internet. The manufacturer has refused to comply with Health Canada’s request to stop selling the product. Health Canada will take further action to remove the product from the market.

Consumers who have used Strauss Energy SIX or another product containing yohimbine and have concerns about their health should contact their physicians or health care practitioner.

To report a suspected adverse reaction, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods:

Telephone: 866-234-2345
Facsimile: 866-678-6789

CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Health Protection Building, Tunney’s Pasture, AL 0701C
Email: cadrmphc-sc.gc

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709. To report finding these products on the Canadian market please contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at: 1-800-267-9675.

HEALTH CANADA