Last week the FDA reported that even more herbal supplements were found to contain the unlisted drug sibutramine. These products include:
- Dr. Mao Slimming Capsules
- Be Inspired weight loss capsules
- Bella Vi Insane Amp’d and Bella Vi Amp’d Up
- Perfect Body Solutions
- Burn 7
- Slim Fortune
- Lidiy
- Slim Expert
We have written about the side effects of unlisted sibutramine in dietary supplements in the past, which may include serious events such as heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. It is dangerous when taken within two weeks of stopping or starting an MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor), or while taking certain drugs for migraines. It is unsafe for teenagers and seniors. Because consumers are unaware of exactly what they’re consuming, they have no way of being aware of potential contraindications with conditions they have or other medications they are taking.
Consumers should be aware that these “herbal” products are far from risk-free: they contain dangerous drugs that have the potential to cause serious side effects when not administered carefully. In fact, some recent research has suggested that the majority of products that advertise themselves as herbal supplements contain potentially dangerous unlisted ingredients. A new study published by BMC Medicine this year found that 60% of the tested herbal products contained adulterated ingredients.
Sibutramine’s popularity in these so called “natural” weight loss solutions makes sense because it is an appetite suppressant, which is structurally related to amphetamines. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a class of drugs used to treat disorders such as ADHD, OCD, and anxiety disorders. It acts on and increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves mood but also has the side effects of decreasing appetite and sleep. Consumers should therefore be on the lookout for sibutramine when buying any product that advertises itself as a natural or herbal weight loss solution.
Symptoms and injuries associated with the consumption of this drug include high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and other adverse cardiovascular events.
If you or a loved one has been affected by this or any drug discussed on our blog please contact us for a free case evaluation at www.andrewsthornton.com or toll free at 1-800-644-1734.
