FDA warning on tainted weight loss products

The FDA is alerting consumers nationwide not to purchase or consume more than 25 different weight loss products because they contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that may put consumers’ health at risk. An FDA analysis has found that some of these products contain the controlled-substance sibutramine, rimonabant (unapproved in the U.S.), phenytoin and the suspected carcinogen phenolphthalein. Sibutramine can cause hypertension, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, myocardial infarction or stroke. It has not been approved for use in pregnant and nursing women or in children ≤16 years of age. Rimonabant has been associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. Consumers who have been taking these products are advised to discontinue their use and to consult their health care professional immediately.

For a full list of tainted products and more information visit www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2008/ucm116998.htm.