People using Doda, Afeem and other Ayurvedic products are urged to monitor themselves for symptoms of lead poisoning.
Fraser Health issued a warning on Monday (July 16) about Ayurvedic medicines and opium products that may contain heavy metals, following two recent cases of lead poisoning.
The two cases are likely linked to the consumption of Ayurvedic medicines or opiate-containing products, Fraser Health said in a news release Monday.
Fraser Health notes that some Ayurvedic medicines may contain high levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and other toxins. Some of these products may contain opium, which is made from the poppy plant, known as dodha or afim.
“Doda comes in a powder form that is typically dissolved in liquid and taken orally,” the Fraser Health release said.
Fraser Health recommends that people who use these products monitor themselves for symptoms of lead poisoning.
HealthLinkBC describes Ayurveda as a “healthy lifestyle system” that has been used by people in India for more than 5,000 years.
“Ayurveda emphasizes health and disease prevention and treatment through lifestyle practices (such as massage, meditation, yoga and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies.
“Ayurvedic medicine is holistic, which means it treats the mind and body as a whole. Ayurveda doesn’t just treat a person’s physical problems; it also takes into account lifestyle and health behaviors, diet, digestion, stress and environmental factors,” says healthlinkbc.ca.
In its announcement, Fraser Health offered some advice for people who take opium-containing products made directly from the poppy plant – including dodha and afeem – or other Ayurvedic medicines.
If the product has a label, look at the Natural Products Number (NPN) to see if it’s registered with Health Canada. If there’s no label or NPN, Fraser Health recommends speaking to your health care provider to discuss other options.
“Choosing products registered under Health Canada’s Natural Health Products Regulations reduces risk by providing oversight of quality, traceability and recommended use,” the release states.
The Fraser Health Authority says symptoms of lead poisoning can be difficult to distinguish from other health problems.
• Mild symptoms include fatigue, irritability, headache, muscle aches, abdominal discomfort or pain, constipation, vomiting, and tremors.
• Severe symptoms include severe abdominal pain, seizures, loss of consciousness, numbness, and muscle weakness.
• Long-term use of products containing high levels of lead can lead to chronic lead exposure.
Fraser Health notes that if you use such products and experience symptoms of lead poisoning or other unexpected side effects, you should seek medical attention and call the BC Poison Information Centre at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911. Your health care provider will determine if a blood lead test is needed. Do not throw away the product. Store it in a safe place in case Public Health needs to submit it for testing.
