Health Canada seizes illegal eyewash product from Richmond store

Health Canada is warning the public about a potentially dangerous eyewash product seized from a Richmond health store.

In an advisory, Health Canada says consumers who purchased “Kobayashi Aibon/ Eyebon Eyewash” from Tokyo Beauty and Health Care — on Westminster Highway in Richmond — should stop using it because it contains a prescription drug called aminocaproic acid that could pose serious health risks.

The product is promoted as an eyewash for contact lens users and for the prevention of eye disease. Health Canada has seized two types of the eyewash in “cool” and “mild.”

Prescription drugs should be taken only under the advice and supervision of a health care professional because they are used in relation to specific diseases, and may cause serious side effects.

The unauthorized health product was packaged and labelled in Japanese. Health Canada says as a result information about ingredients, usage, dosage and side effects may not be understood by all consumers. Health Canada previously warned about this product after it was seized at a different retail store.

The agency says it has seized the products from the retail location and is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent further importation.

Aminocaproic acid is a prescription drug ingredient used to decrease bleeding in various clinical situations. Exposure in the eye could affect the eye itself, and the acid may be absorbed through the tear ducts into the blood.

Side effects may include watery eyes, vision changes, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle weakness and skin rash.