FDA Alert – Hydroxycut Recall

Hydroxycut is a product line of dietary supplements that are typically used by dieters and bodybuilders because of their purported effect of burning fat and calories. There are several different individual products sold over the counter within this product line, and they have been on the market for several years. But in recent years, there was a pretty significant Hydroxycut recall you should be aware of.

Why They Are Used

Specifically, Hydroxycut products claim to initiate a condition known as thermogenesis, a heightened body temperature. This state causes calories to burn. Hydroxycut also suppresses the appetite, preserves lean muscle mass, and increases energy levels. Therefore, it’s been prevalent for those who want to burn fat and continue to build muscle by reducing their caloric intake without suppressing energy levels.

Hydroxycut Recall | FDA Approval of Hydroxycut

Hydroxycut products are classified as supplements, which means that the products generally do not require FDA approval before hitting the market. However, the FDA can review cases against products as reports of problems arise, which appears to have been the case with those Hydroxycut products that have been recalled. There is a law in place that requires the makers of supplements to disclose any ingredients that could be dangerous for some who use the products at issue, and this appears to be the crux of the problem with the Hydroxycut product line and the Hydroxycut recall.

Side Effects of Hydroxycut

Those reports that have prompted the FDA to get involved include serious damage to the liver. These side effects tended to present themselves with such conditions as jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin, to total liver failure. Symptoms can be wide-ranging in nature and can include weakness, severe abdominal pain, headaches, and nausea, among many others.

The most serious problem with identifying these side effects is that many of the people who used these Hydroxycut products were otherwise relatively healthy and presented few if any preexisting conditions. Those who were seriously overweight had generally experienced typical symptoms that come with that condition and were not immediately associated with the use of these products.

Hydroxycut Side Effects and Warnings

Given the lack of FDA approval and as a result the absence of a requirement for laboratory trials that are published and analyzed during a typical approval process, there was little warning offered in regard to these products before the recall. There have been stories here and there regarding individuals who were harmed after using the Hydroxycut product line, but it took more than one or two instances for anything to happen. In fact, it took 23 instances, along with one death, for the FDA to realize that there was a problem.

The most public warning came in 2003, when the Attorney General of Missouri brought suit against Hydroxycut manufacturers on the basis of false advertising. However, the suit did not deal with the issue of dangerous side effects, but rather that those marketing the product claimed that Hydroxycut was clinically proven to be a fat burner.

Hydroxycut Contraindications

Since Hydroxycut products were not approved, prescription drugs, there was little published regarding a potential risk if mixed with other medications. However, every product in the Hydroxycut line contains numerous ingredients, and several different mixtures can lead to problems that include an inability to sleep, elevated blood pressure, nose bleeds, acne, and severe headaches.

Hydroxycut Recall Questions Answered

Who makes Hydroxycut?

Hydroxycut is manufactured and marketed by a company known as Iovate Health Sciences Inc. The company is not well-known for any other product and is not a typical pharmaceutical drug giant, which is somewhat typical for the dietary supplement industry.

Who uses Hydroxycut as a weight loss pill?

Hydroxycut is used primarily by those who want to lose weight in a pill or drink form, but in recent years it has also become popular within the bodybuilding community.

Which specific Hydroxycut weight loss products were recalled?

Hydroxycut recalled 14 individual products, and they appear below:

• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Capsules
• 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

What problems have been caused by Hydroxycut?

Hydroxycut has been shown to cause serious problems with the liver. Some patients have experienced jaundice, which is a condition that can be treated, while others have experienced liver failure that has required surgery and even transplants in a few instances. One 19-year-old man died after using the product.

What should I do if I’ve been using Hydroxycut for weight loss?

If you’ve used this product for weight loss, stop doing so immediately and seek immediate medical attention to make sure that you have not been affected without your knowledge.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of using any of these products, it is possible that you have a Hydroxycut lawsuit claim. Pick up the phone and contact the Hydroxycut lawyers at the law firm of Phillips Law Group as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.

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