FDA Warns Consumers of Dangers of Hydroxycut
January 1, 2009
On May 1, 2009, officials from the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding the dangerous effects of the dietary supplement, Hydroxycut. Consumers are being asked to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products due to the 23 reports of serious health problems resulting from the use of the dietary supplement. In particular, one death due to liver failure has been linked to the use of the product, while other serious side effects have included jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and liver damage requiring transplants. Symptoms of these side effects can include a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, brown urine, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stool, excessive fatigue, weakness, and stomach or abdominal pain, etc. Beyond liver damage, other health problems are reported to include: seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to serious health problems such as kidney failure. The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages or other factors are associated with these risks, however, injury to the liver has been reported in individuals using the dosages recommended on the Hydroxycut products. To avoid undue risk, the FDA is encouraging individuals to stop using the Hydroxycut products.
Manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. in Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, New York, this dietary supplement is used to assist in weight-loss, fat burning, energy-enhancing, and as an aid in low carbohydrate diets. Dietary supplements sold before October 1994 are not required to undergo FDA review before going to the market, instead the manufacturer must only ensure their product is safe for marketing. Even still, manufacturers are not required to register a supplement with the FDA or get approval before selling it. It is only after the supplement is on the market that the FDA can take action. Iovate is recalling an extended list of its products. For a list of the recalled products you can visit http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02006.html.
If you or someone you love has experienced any of these symptoms after taking Hydroxycut products, you may contact Fischer | Goldasich LLC for further information and a free consultation.