May 1, 2009 FDA Recall Of Hydroxycut Diet Supplements
On May 1, 2009 the FDA announced the recall of Hydroxycut diet supplement products. Hydroxycut products have caused some instances of liver damage, seizures, rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue damage) and cardiac problems. These incidences have resulted in hospitalization and in at least one instance, death. Some patients have had such dramatic liver breakdown that they required a liver transplant.
Hydroxycut has been the top selling diet supplement brand in America for at least several years – in some cases taking almost 90% of the market. There are 14 various Hydroxycut products that are used for a range of reasons including weight loss, appetite control, and added energy and to increase metabolism. Hydroxycut has been a leading dietary supplement since it hit the market in 2002.
Originally, Hydroxycut contained ephedra, which was found to be harmful. Hydroxycut has been manufactured without ephedra since 2004. Most of the health issues related to Hydroxycut have occurred since 2004. The products have been marketed as containing natural ingredients, however, these are not always safe. Some of the health concerns from taking Hydroxycut have been very serious.
The recall of Hydroxycut comes after the FDA has investigated the numerous serious injury and death reports associated with taking Hydroxycut. Consumers need to be aware of the fact that dietary supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA before they are marketed since they do not fall under the category or either foods or drugs. However, they do investigate reports filed against products regarding public safety issues.
The May 1, 2009 FDA recall of Hydroxycut includes 14 products manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. in Ontario, Canada. The products are distributed in the United States by the USA division located in Blasdell, NY. The recent recall was done voluntarily by the company based on information and reports from the FDA. The products were immediately pulled from the market across the country.
People taking the Hydroxycut products incorrectly did not cause health injuries. It was determined that the people with serious health problems had used the products properly and were not predisposed to liver or other health concerns. The onset of health problems, particularly serious liver damage, is not linked to the amount of product taken nor to the length of time people used the product. The main concern of the FDA is to get the product off the market before any more people suffer serious injuries or death.
Those who have suffered health problems after taking Hydroxycut should seek legal assistance.