The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to stop taking Hydroxycut, as this popular dietary supplement has been linked to liver damage. Hydroxycut products have therefore been recalled.
According to the FDA, there have been 23 reports of serious liver injuries caused by Hydroxycut products, which are used for weight loss and as energy enhancers. One of the reports included the 2007 death of a 19-year-old man who was living in the Southwest. Some of the other reports have included such health problems as liver damage that required a transplant, liver failure, seizures, jaundice and cardiovascular issues.
It is still unclear what ingredients are causing the liver problems and supposedly, the liver damage is rare. Some of the symptoms of Hydroxycut liver damage that consumers should watch for include nausea, vomiting, brown urine, fatigue, stomachache, light-colored stools and itching.
Consumers are warned to immediately cease taking 14 Hydroxycut products, which are manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences Inc. and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc.
Dr. Linda Katz, interim chief medical officer of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said that consumers should discontinue the use of Hydroxycut products to avoid any unnecessary risks. She advised that consumers consult with their physicians if they experience any symptoms that have been linked to Hydroxycut.
The following is a list of recalled Hydroxycut products:
- 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
Last year, Iovate sold over 9 million Hydroxycut product units, which were available at health food stores, grocery stores and pharmacies.
If you have been injured by a Hydroxycut product, contact a Florida injury attorney at the Law Offices of Lilly, O’Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111.