More weight-loss supplements added to FDA warning list[SIZE=-1]It wasn?t all that long ago that we reported that the Food and Drug Administration had issued warnings on over 25 weight-loss products containing potentially harmful ingredients. Now comes word that even more products have been added bringing the total number to 72.
According to the FDA, some of the products claim to be ?natural,? or ?herbal,? but actually contain one or more potentially dangerous controlled substance not listed on the label. The products have been sold through web sites, beauty salons, and other retail outlets. The FDA says it is seeking to stop the sale of these illegal products through recalls and other measures, and other products may yet be added.
The illegal substances in these supplements can pose very serious health risks, including, heart attack, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizures, stroke, and possible sudden death. If you've been taking any of the products listed, The FDA advises you to stop doing so and see a healthcare professional. For more information, see the FDA?s Q&A about the warnings.
Here are some of the alarming substances found in these* supplements:
- Bumetanide, a potent diuretic available by prescription only
- Cetilistat, an experimental obesity drug not approved for marketing in the United States
- Fenproporex, a controlled substance that is not approved for marketing in the United States
- Fluoxetine, an prescription antidepressant
- Furosemide, a potent prescription diuretic
- Phenytoin, a prescription anti-seizure medication
- Phenolphthalein, a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the United States
- Rimonabant, a drug not approved for marketing in the United States
- Sibutramine, a controlled substance that was found in many of the products at levels much higher than the maximum daily dosage for the prescription medication Meridia, the only drug containing sibutramine approved by the FDA.
--Kevin McCarthy, associate editor
For more on weight-loss supplements, see Are Diet Pills Effective?
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