FDA alert: Weight loss supplements recalled

Don't be fooled by the marketing  (source)

Another case of buyer beware.  Many of the weight loss products found online can not only be ineffective, but also dangerous. The FDA has issued an alert to consumers about two dietary supplements sold for weight loss. Both were found with prescription drugs and could endanger consumers. Consumers should discontinue taking them and return the products to the manufacturers. 

  Obscure chinese formulas aren't always safe (source)

StarCaps had been marketed over the internet as an all-natural product from Peru that combines papaya enzyme and garlic. A bottle of 30 tablets cost about $100 and it was billed as the diet supplement of the stars.

Balanced Health Products, Inc. has finally recalled Starcaps due to the presence of the prescription drug, Bumetanide. This medication is a potent diuretic used in the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, and liver and kidney disease, including nephrotic syndrome. It can cause serious fluid and electrolyte loss and elevations of uric acid. 

The second recall notice reported by FDA’s latest MedWatch safety report was issued by Fashion Sanctuary for its Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules. This was in response to FDA analysis which found the product contained undeclared sibutramine, the prescription appetite suppressant. “This poses a potential threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke,” the FDA reported. 

For more info:

Starcaps recall notice and lot number information

Zhen De Shou recall notice and lot number information

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