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Hydroxycut® and Ephedra

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Hydroxycut® and ephedra have a long history. Before the FDA banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra in 2004, Hydroxycut® products often contained ephedra, a plant-derived ingredient heavily marketed as an energy-enhancing supplement.

Ephedra Is a Source of Ephedrine

Ephedra was in Hydroxycut®'s "energy" and weight loss pills, powders, and drinks. Known in Chinese herbal medicine as "ma huang," ephedra is a source of ephedrine, a stimulant. Ephedrine constricts the body's blood vessels and thus increases one's blood pressure and heart rate. It also expands the lungs' bronchial tubes, which explains the centuries-old use in China of ma huang for asthma.

Side Effects of Hydroxycut® Ephedra

The potential Hydroxycut® side effects of ephedra were the basis of the FDA's ban. The side effects and adverse medical events linked to Hydroxycut® ephedra included:

• dehydration
• dizziness
• headache
• heart attack
• hyperthermia
• insomnia
• irregular heartbeat
• irritability
• nervousness
• profuse perspiration
• seizures
• severe skin reactions
• stroke
• trembling
• vomiting
• death

It is now illegal to sell dietary supplements (such as Hydroxycut®) with ephedra in the U.S. Distributors such as MuscleTech and the manufacturer Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. now market "ephedra-free Hydroxycut®" products. Other ingredients have taken the place of the ephedra — ingredients such as garcinia cambogia and green tea.

The Recent Hydroxycut® Recall

Despite the apparent removal of ephedra from Hydroxycut® products, serious adverse events linked to Hydroxycut® continued to be reported to the FDA. Over 20 reports of liver damage and one death associated with Hydroxycut® prompted the FDA to recommend in early May 2009 that U.S. consumers stop using all Hydroxycut® products.

In addition, Iovate Health Science voluntarily recalled 14 of its Hydroxycut® products on the U.S. market:

• 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 RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut® Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut® 24
• Hydroxycut® Carb Control
• Hydroxycut® Natural

If You Have Been Injured by Hydroxycut®

Have you or a loved one been injured after using Hydroxycut®? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Hydroxycut® attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.