Hydroxycut Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued a warning against using Hydroxycut products last week. The Hydroxycut manufacturer, Iovate Health Sciences Inc., has voluntarily recalled 14 of its weight-loss products. The recall is in response to 23 reports of serious health complications that followed consumer use of Hydroxycut products. The adverse reactions include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), elevated liver enzymes (an indicator of possible liver injury), liver damage to the point of needed transplant, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage able to cause kidney failure). One 2007 death, seemingly linked to Hydroxycut use, has been reported. Hydroxycut dietary supplements are marketed as fat burners, energy enhancers, and low-carb and water-loss diet aids. Since there are several ingredients in each supplement, it has not yet been determined which ingredients or dosage amounts caused the health complications. It is known, however, that many people reporting health difficulties were following the label's recommended dosages. Not all Hydroxycut products are supposed to produce adverse affects. Still, the recall includes some items that are not suspect. As of the first week in May, the 14 recalled products are:

• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
• Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
• Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut 24
• Hydroxycut Carb Control
• Hydroxycut Natural

Retailers and other distributors have been strongly advised to remove these products from the shelves, discontinue sales, and accept returns from customers. If you have any of the listed products in your possession, stop using them immediately, and return them to the place of purchase. If you have used any Hydroxycut product, watch for the following signs of liver damage. See your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Jaundice
• Brown Urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Light-Colored Stools
• Excessive Fatigue
• Weakness
• Stomach/Abdominal Pain
• Itching
• Loss of Appetite

Iovate Health Sciences Inc. is standing by their brand, and says that the number of health complications being reported by consumers is relatively small compared with overall distribution. They have also stated that consumer safety is their top priority, and because of that the recall is a voluntary process. The FDA plans to continue investigations into Hydroxycut products. In the meantime, ingestion of the 14 recalled items should be avoided entirely.

Sources: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02006.html

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20090501/hydroxycut-recall-due-to-liver-injuries