Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted warnings regarding four products marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss that contain hidden drug ingredients. Three of the recalled products, “Slim Forte,” “Li Da Dai Dai Hua Slimming Capsule, ” and “Superior,” contain sibutramine, a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for patient safety reasons. The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. A fourth product, “Fatloss Slimming Beauty, ” contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription medication Viagra®. This undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
The products included in the warnings are sold via the Internet and some retail stores. FDA advises consumers to stop using these products and to properly dispose of them. FDA also advises consumers to use caution before purchasing any supplements marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or body building. Consumers and health care providers are encouraged to report any adverse events or quality problems experienced with these products to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
Source: NABP Newsletter
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