Health Canada is warning about counterfeit laser hair removal and therapy devices falsely branded as “Soprano” that have been sold to clinics in Canada. Health Canada/ handout photo
Health Canada has issued a warning about counterfeit laser hair removal and therapy devices being sold to clinics in Canada, cautioning that the products could pose “serious health risks” because their safety and effectiveness are unknown.
The federal health agency said the counterfeit devices are being sold under the “Soprano” brand.
Genuine Soprano devices are manufactured by Alma Lasers Ltd., while the counterfeit products bear labels indicating they were manufactured by Beijing Perfectlaser Technology Co., Ltd., according to a Sept. 18 advisory.
The counterfeit devices have been advertised and sold to clinics in Canada, Health Canada said. The agency said Beijing Perfectlaser provided a falsified medical device licence and falsely represented the products as authorized medical devices.
“Beijing Perfectlaser Technology Co., Ltd. has provided a falsified medical device licence and falsely represented the products as authorized medical devices,” the advisory said. “This may mislead purchasers into believing that the device has been authorized for sale and meet regulatory requirements when they do not.”
Health Canada said the manufacturer of the authentic devices confirmed that products made by Beijing Perfectlaser are counterfeit.
“Counterfeit health products are imitations of authentic products but are not the same and may pose serious health risk due to their unknown safety and effectiveness,” the agency said. The sale of counterfeit health products is illegal in Canada.
The agency is urging clinics that have counterfeit devices to stop using them immediately and safely dispose of them.
Patients who have received laser therapy and have health concerns, including immediate pain, reddening of the skin or swelling, should consult a licensed health-care professional, Health Canada said. The agency is also asking people to report health-product-related side effects or complaints.
Clinics that have a Soprano-branded hair removal or therapy device, or are considering purchasing one, should verify its authenticity by checking the information on the permanent label, including the manufacturer name, device name and model or catalogue identifier.
Health Canada said that information can be compared with the corresponding details in its Medical Devices Active Licence Listing. Clinics that are unsure whether a device is authentic should consult the manufacturer.
Laser hair removal systems use concentrated light energy to target pigment in hair follicles. The energy is converted into heat, which damages the follicle and can reduce hair growth over time. Results vary depending on factors including hair colour, skin type and the treatment area.