Hydroxycut Warnings: FDA Recall in Place

The Hydroxycut recall issued by the FDA in May 2009 included most of the Hydroxycut line. Only Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products were not included. The recall came after two things occurred. First, a law was enacted that required manufacturers of supplements to disclose serious illnesses linked to their products. The second thing that occurred was that the FDA received reports of 23 people experiencing liver damage due to use of Hydroxycut products. Consumers using any of the other 14 Hydroxycut products have been advised to stop using them immediately.

FDA dietary supplement director Vasilios Frankos stated in a Wall Street Journal article on the matter that ‘it was still unclear’ as to the specific Hydroxycut ingredients that are causing the liver damage. Additionally of note, other weight loss and energy products may contain the as-of-yet unidentified ingredients. Consumers have been urged to check with their physicians for further information about their personal risk level and any possible drug/supplement interactions.

The following is a list of symptoms that accompany liver damage:

• Jaundice, which is the yellowing of eyes or skin
• Brown urine,
• Weakness/Fatigue
• Loss of Appetite
• Stomach Pain
• Itching
• Light-colored feces
• Vomiting

People with these symptoms are urged to seek medical consultation immediately.

An FDA press release dated May 31, 2009 states there is a correlation between genetic factors and some liver damage caused by medication. Though specific ties to the Hydroxycut recall and this latest information have not yet been made, this information does provide hope for consumers that answers following the Hydroxycut warnings and recall may be forthcoming.

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut Products. May 1, 2009. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration. News & Events – Press Release. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm149575.htm

FDA Warning: Stop Using Hydroxycut Products – Liver Damage. May 2, 2009. US Recall News. http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/05/fda-5414.html

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Taking Hydroxycut Products. Jared A. Favole. May 1, 2009. Wall Street Journal (online). http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124119585491077697.html

FDA and International Consortium Report New Data on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. May 31, 2009. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration. News & Events – Press Release. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm163067.htm