Advisory - Health Canada warns consumers that Pace, promoted as an alcohol substitute, is unauthorized and may pose serious health risks

OTTAWA, Dec. 21, 2018 /CNW/ -

Issue
Health Canada is warning Canadians that Pace, a shot-sized drink that is being promoted as an alcohol substitute, contains an active ingredient—5-methoxy-2-aminoindane (MEAI)—that is similar in structure to amphetamines and may pose serious health risks. Pace is being by the .

While the product is being promoted as a beverage by the company, this product would be regulated as a drug in Canada and would require approval before it could be sold to Canadians. This product has not been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness or quality, and its sale has not been authorized by Heath Canada.

Who is affected

• Consumers who have bought or consumed Pace

Affected products

• Pace

What consumers should do

• Do not buy this product, and, if you have this product, stop using it. Consult your health care professional if you have consumed this product and have health concerns.
• Read the label of health products you buy to verify that they have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label.
• Submit a complaint to Health Canada using the if you find this product for sale in Canada.
• Report any health product  or  to Health Canada.

What Health Canada is doing
Health Canada is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent the importation of this product. Should Canadian retailers or distributors of this product be identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians.

Background
MEAI (5-methoxy-2-aminoindane) is a controlled substance regulated under the . It is similar in structure to amphetamines. It is not approved for use as a drug in Canada, and it has not been reviewed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality. Very little is known about the effects of this substance, particularly when used long-term, in high doses or together with other substances that cause impairment. No clinical studies have been performed to study its effects in humans, but users have reported impaired coordination, inebriation, dizziness, sweating, nausea and potential effects on the heart. A safe dose to consume has also not been determined.

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SOURCE Health Canada