After dozens of previously healthy Hawaiians developed acute hepatitis and sudden liver failure after taking dietary supplements, local and national health authorities launched investigations of OxyELITE Pro, a dietary supplement used for weight loss or muscle building. On October 8, the CDC and FDA issued Health Advisories regarding acute hepatitis and liver failure associated with OxyELITE Pro. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) reports 45 cases of liver problems. Two patients have undergone liver transplants, and one person died.
The FDA previously issued warnings to USPlabs, the manufacturer of OxyELITE Pro, and sanctioned the Dallas-based company for illegally producing and marketing dietary supplements containing DMAA. In July, USPlabs finally agreed to destroy remaining Jack3d and OxyELITE Pro products containing DMAA. The current formulation of OxyELITE Pro does not contain DMAA, so the Hawaiian liver failure outbreak could be connected to contamination.
The most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Pale bowel movements
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain/discomfort
Health authorities identified several people from states outside Hawaii who developed acute hepatitis after using OxyELITE Pro or other dietary supplements. The CDC and other state health departments are collecting additional epidemiological and clinical data to determine if the liver outbreak is national in scope. USPlabs informed the FDA that it has stopped distributing OxyELITE Pro domestically in light of the liver injury investigation.
Andrews and Thornton encourages patients and loved ones who have been affected by OxyELITE Pro or any other dietary supplement to contact us for a free case evaluation at www.andrewsthornton.com or toll free at 1-800-644-1734.
