Weight loss, insomnia, pain, anxiety: many Quebecers extol the merits of “Super Patch” for curing a range of ailments on social networks, patches strongly discouraged by several concerned experts.
“My partner is trying the patch ignite for 4 days and she lost 4 pounds doing her normal daily life. She is very encouraged.”
“I discovered a product that already helps me with my anxiety, I already feel calmer and my hamster is already spinning less. In just six hours. A new evolution, without drugs, without side effects.”
- Listen to the interview with Benoît Heppell, family doctor on Alexandre Dubé’s microphone via
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Even for children?
Here are two examples of recent testimonials that we find on social networks in connection with the “Super Patch”, a product easy to order online from a company based in Florida. A total of 12 colorful stamps with names such as “Liberty”, “Victory” or “Joy” are available to solve all kinds of problems.
PHOTO taken from the Super Patch Quebec FACEBOOK page
“It’s extremely worrying,” reacts Jean-François Desgagnés, president of the Order of Pharmacists of Quebec. There is a great risk that people will decide to stop treatment.”
photo provided by the Order of Pharmacists of QUébec
In a video posted on Facebook, an elderly Quebec woman who has pain in her arm manages to raise it above her head simply after putting on a patch, she claims.
Quebec parents have even testified to using it to help their child concentrate at school. Another pointed out that the patch replaced his machine for his sleep apnea. Many influencers also promote it on social networks.
PHOTO taken from the Super Patch Quebec FACEBOOK page
This product is not approved by Health Canada, which recommends against its use.
For a regular user, the bill can quickly add up: 28 patches cost $60. Each dose lasts 24 hours and it is possible to use two to three patches at the same time, we read.
Still according to the online sales site, the “Super Patch” are based on “vibrotactile stimulation”. The technology features “uniquely arranged streaks that resemble a QR code. When these streaks touch our skin, our cells transmit unique signals that interact with our body’s nervous system.
- Listen to the interview with Jean-François Desgagné, president of the Order of Pharmacists of Quebec, on Sophie Durocher’s show via QUB :
“Miracle products to guarantee weight loss or well-being do not exist,” recalls Marie-Jeanne Rossier-Bisaillon, nutritionist at Collectif Vital. There is no conclusive data to show that this product improves health or well-being.”
Moreover, several Quebecers commented that the patches had not worked for their weight loss.
What ingredients?
According to the site, the patches are “100% natural” and have been “clinically tested.” However, the company does not specify what ingredients its products contain.
PHOTO taken from the Super Patch Quebec FACEBOOK page
In addition, at the bottom of the site, it is indicated that the effectiveness of the products has not been confirmed through studies approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States (equivalent to Health Canada). We also add that the product is not intended to cure or prevent any disease. For its part, the College of Physicians of Quebec also says it is concerned.
“If you have a problem, consult a health professional instead of using expensive products whose consequences on the body are unknown,” we write by email.
Furthermore, Mr. Desgagnés admits that the principle of the placebo effect can explain why people feel better with the patch. According to him, it is clear that the legislation surrounding the advertising of these products must be better regulated.
“We should be aware of the principle of protecting the population,” he said.
Health Canada also specifies that drug-free vibrotactile patches such as “Super Patch” could be regulated as class 1 medical instruments. However, the company does not hold a license, which is necessary for sale.