FDA Issues Alert on Dangers of Tainted Weight Loss Products

27 dec 2008--Nearly 30 weight loss products sold over the internet and in retail stores are tainted with undeclared, active pharmaceuticals or chemicals, the FDA warned on Tuesday.

An FDA analysis found the following undeclared ingredients:

• phenytoin;
  
• sibutramine, an antiobesity drug that can cause hypertension, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack, or stroke;
  
• rimonabant, an antiobesity drug not approved for use in the U.S.;
  
• phenolphthalein, a possible cancer-causing agent used in chemical experiments.
  

The agency advises consumers to stop using the products immediately and to consult their physicians. Healthcare providers should report serious side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program.

(The FDA alert includes a complete list of the weight loss products affected by the warning.)

LINK(S):

FDA news release (Free)

FDA Q&A for consumers (Free)

MedWatch program (Free)