Synerate Weight Loss Product Recalled Due to Risk for Serious Adverse Events

Ottawa, ONTThe product Synerate, manufactured for Strive and distributed by Upper 49th, is being voluntarily recalled from the Canadian market because of the risk of serious, potentially fatal adverse effects from the combination of the ingredients in the product.

Synerate, a product used for weight loss or body building, contains caffeine and synephrine, which is similar to ephedrine. When used in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, synephrine and/or ephedrine has caused reported adverse events ranging from dizziness, tremors, headaches and irregularities in heart rate to seizures, psychosis, heart attacks and stroke.

The product is not authorized by Health Canada and bears no Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Health Product Number (NPN), Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or Exemption Number (EN).

Synerate products for sales were distributed by Upper 49th to retail stores earlier in 2010. This product may also have been distributed as part of a kit with t-shirts as well as product samples.

Several health advisories have been issued by Health Canada warning Canadians about products containing synephrine/ephedrine/ephedra, in combination with caffeine and other stimulants, for purposes of weight loss, body building or increased energy.