Digestive aid Flora Essentials recalled, may be contaminated with drug

TORONTO – Adeeva Nutritionals is recalling one lot of its digestive aid Flora Essentials due to possible contamination with an antibiotic that may pose serious health risks, Health Canada said Friday.

Chloramphenicol is associated with a rare risk of aplastic anemia, a serious blood disorder that can be fatal. The reaction is unpredictable and not related to a specific dose of the antibiotic, Health Canada said.

Side-effects linked to the prescription drug, which should be used only under medical supervision in adults and children, include allergic reactions in those with a sensitivity to the medication and effects on the bone marrow leading to decreased blood cells.

The drug should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women.

Adeeva is recalling lot 10342 of Flora Essentials, and says consumers who have used the natural health product should immediately consult their health-care practitioner.

Neither the company nor Health Canada has received reports of adverse reactions associated with the product.

To return the product, consumers should call Adeeva Nutritionals at 1-888-251-1010, extension 1014.