The FDA has issued an urgent recall of a popular weight loss supplement sold on Amazon and in GNC stores after testing revealed it contains undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, including sibutramine — a drug removed from the market for causing heart attacks.
The Product
The supplement, marketed as "all-natural" and "herbal," was among the top-selling weight loss products on Amazon with over 50,000 reviews. The FDA found it contained:
- Sibutramine (withdrawn from market in 2010 for cardiovascular risk)
- Phenolphthalein (a carcinogenic laxative)
- Undisclosed amounts of caffeine (up to 400mg per serving)
Health Risks
Sibutramine can cause heart attack, stroke, and dangerously elevated blood pressure. Combined with the other undisclosed ingredients, the product poses serious health risks, especially for people with heart conditions or those taking other medications.
What Consumers Should Do
Stop taking the product immediately. Report adverse effects to the FDA's MedWatch program. This incident highlights why dietary supplements are not pre-approved by the FDA — buyer beware.
