Canada - Health Canada has issued an advisory concerning phenylpropanolamine (PPA) concerning a reported association with haemorrhagic stroke. PPA is widely used as a nasal decongestant in prescription and non-prescription cough and cold, sinus and combination allergy products.

Although the risk of haemorrhagic stroke is low, it is difficult to predict who is at risk. A public recommendation has been made for consumers not to use any products containing PPA until a full assessment has been completed.

Many of the reports of a suspected link between PPA and haemorrhagic stroke from the United States have been in young women using PPA as an appetite suppressant. However, PPA has not been approved for such use or for weight loss in Canada.

Reference: Health Canada Advisory. Press Release, 2000-108, 6 November 2000.