Juicy Puff Super Strength recall
Privileged statement
Director-General of Health Kevin Woods today warned retailers under Section 98 of the Medicines Act to remove a second product from their shelves - a brand of herbal smoking product called Juicy Puff Super Strength because it also contains a prescription medicine.
Mr Woods said the public are again advised they should not consume this product and should seek medical advice if they are feeling unwell.
Juicy Puff Super Strength contains a benzodiazepine called phenazepam that is not available in NZ and only appears to be used in one country for the short term treatment of anxiety and as an anticonvulsant.
Phenazepam can only be legally supplied when prescribed by a doctor or other prescriber.
The Ministry of Health is contacting the company supplying this product, Cosmic Corner Limited, and providing a formal notice requiring them to immediately cease supply and distribution of Juicy Puff Super Strength.
The Ministry of Health is requesting the company to recall all stock from retailers immediately.
Retailers are also requested to remove this product from sale immediately.
The Ministry believes this product is in breach of the Medicines Act 1981 because it contains a medicine which is being distributed without consent.
Juicy Puff Super Strength is one of a number of branded herbal smoking products containing synthetic cannabinoids
The presence of the prescription medicine was detected from a screening test this week and confirmed late on Friday, 1 July 2011.
Phenazepam is a member of a class of medicines called benzodiazepines. Phenazepam is structurally similar to lorazepam, a benzodiazepine available in NZ for the treatment of a number of conditions. This is the same medicine found in the Kronic Pineapple Express Product recalled on Thursday 30 June.
Anyone concerned about the health consequences of taking this product and wanting more information should call Healthline 0800 611 116.
For more information contact Peter Abernethy, Media Relations Manager, 021 366 111.
Page last updated: 24 November 2011
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