Tainted Weight Loss Pills

Jessica Smagacz

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Today FDA alerted customers nationwide not to consume or purchase more than 25 different products marketed for weight loss. FDA says these products contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that have the potential to put consumers at a health risk.

The weight loss products FDA is warning about include:

The above products are sold online and some retail stores. FDA has not approved any of these products. They are being marketed as dietary supplements or are marketed as natural or only contain herbal ingredients. HOWEVER, these weight loss products “actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels or in promotional advertisements.”

If you are currently taking any of the above listed products, stop taking them, FDA advises. FDA is currently trying to have these companies recall the products but has received inadequate responses. They may have to take more enforcements steps including possibly issuing warning letters or going as far as initiating seizures, injunctions or even criminal charges.

Possible risks from the above products include:

-high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack or stroke or adverse drug reactions if taken with other medications (if sibutramine is found in the products)

-If rimonabant is found in these products it has been associated with increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts

If you have any serious adverse events or side effects or any product quality problem, FDA requests that you please report online or by mail, fax or phone to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.