FDA says stop using Hydroxycut immediately

May 02, 2009|Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Government health officials warned dieters and body builders yesterday to immediately stop using Hydroxycut, a widely sold supplement linked to cases of serious liver damage and at least one death.

The Food and Drug Administration said the company that makes the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products, including such products as Max Drink Packets, Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, and Max Aqua Shed.

Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients. At least 9 million packages were sold last year, the FDA said.

FDA officials said they have received 23 reports of liver problems, including the 2007 death of a 19-year-old boy living in the Southwest.

Other patients experienced symptoms ranging from jaundice to liver failure. The patients were otherwise healthy and their symptoms began after they started using Hydroxycut.

Iovate Health Sciences, which makes the diet pills, said it agreed to the recall out of "an abundance of caution."