Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hydroxycut Products Receive FDA Warning

On May 1, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) advised people to immediately stop using dietary supplement Hydroxycut due to its link to serious liver injuries and one death.

Primarily used for weight loss and to increase metabolism and energy, Hydroxycut products can be purchased in most grocery stores, health food stores and pharmacies. With a 90% market share, Hydroxycut is the leading weight loss supplement and reports indicate that 9 million units were sold in the United States in 2008.

Recalled Hydroxycut products include: Regular Rapid Release Caplets; Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets; Hardcore Liquid Capsules; Max Liquid Capsules; Regular Drink Packets; Caffeine-Free Drink Packets; Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix); Max Drink Packets; Liquid Shots; Hardcore Ready-to-Drink; Max Aqua Shed; Hydroxycut 24; Hydroxycut Carb Control; and Hydroxycut Natural.

The FDA’s warning listed one death due to liver failure and 23 reports of “severe health problems” caused by Hydroxycut products.

Health problems attributed to Hydroxycut include “transplant requiring” liver damage, jaundice, high liver enzymes, seizures, cardiovascular disorders and rhabdomyolysis (a type of muscle damage leading to serious problems like kidney failure), vomiting, nausea, unusual tiredness, weakness, abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.

Further, because supplement manufacturers don’t require FDA approval to place their dangerous products on the market, the FDA must rely on voluntary reports to discover these health dangers.

Hydroxycut is manufactured in Ontario, Canada by Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. and distributed by Iovate and its subsidiary MuscleTech.

If you or anyone you know is a Hydroxycut user and experiencing any serious bodily injury, he may be able to seek compensation for hospital bills, medical treatment, surgery, and loss of wages.

If you have suffered a personal injury or have any question, contact us at
schain@schaininjury.com.