Health Canada warns against supplements containing synthetic steroids

July 9th, 2007

People shouldn't use the dietary supplement MdMt or other supplements containing the synthetic steroids methyl-1-testosterone or methyldienolone obtained without a prescription, Health Canada advised Monday, warning that they can lead to potentially serious health risks including reduced fertility and liver disorders.

The warning comes after the department received a report of a 38-year-old man who developed azoospermia - a condition in which a man's semen contains no sperm - after using the product, Health Canada said in a release.

Previously the department received a report of a case of severe liver toxicity associated with the use of another product containing methyl-1-testosterone.

Manufactured by BMF Hardcore, MdMt is promoted as a dietary supplement for body building.

MdMt is not authorized for sale in Canada. But when the department followed up on an adverse reaction report it received about MdMt, it discovered that Canadians have access to the product through retail outlets in Canada and potentially over the Internet.

The department said it is referring the matter to the appropriate legal authorities for followup, and is taking action to prevent further imports.

MdMt contains both methyl-1-testosterone and methyldienolone, which are controlled substances in Canada and should be dispensed and used only under strict medical supervision, and with a prescription.

Health Canada advised Canadians using MdMt or any other supplements labelled as containing methyl-1-testosterone or methyldienolone and obtained without a prescription to stop taking the product immediately and consult with a health care professional if they have health concerns.

Methyl-1-testosterone and methyldienolone may also be labelled as 17alpha methyl-17beta-hydroxy-andros1-ene-3-one and 17a-methyl-17beta-hydroxyestra-4,9(10)dien-3-one, respectively, the Health Canada release noted.