FDA warns public about slimming capsules

By: Tina G. Santos - 11 years ago

photo from fda.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines — Health authorities are warning the public against buying and taking an unregistered brand of slimming capsules that have been found to contain harmful ingredients.

In an advisory posted on its website, the Food and Drug Administration said Fat Burner HCA 500 mg capsules contain amphetamine and sibutramine, substances that are harmful to health and could even lead to death.

Amphetamine causes irregular heartbeat, confusion, urine retention and painful urination, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, muscle pain, severe agitation, rapid breathing and tremor, the FDA said, adding that a “large overdose may produce symptoms such as psychosis, anuria, cardiogenic shock, cerebral hemorrhage, circulatory collapse, extreme fever, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, rapid muscle breakdown, serotonin syndrome, and stereotypy.”

It added fatal amphetamine poisoning is usually preceded by convulsions and coma.

On the other hand, sibutramine has been shown to increase the risk of serious heart events, including heart attacks and strokes, it added.

“The public is hereby warned against buying and using Fat Burner HCA 500mg capsule in the market or through online,” FDA said.

“All FDA inspectors are hereby ordered to seize unregistered slimming products or those containing amphetamine, sibutramine or steroids from all outlets or establishments where they are found or offered for sale or use,” it added.

The FDA said Fat Burner HCA 500 mg is an unregistered slimming product whose product label indicates it is made by America Bysilver Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

It said the capsules are packaged in a box of foil strips collected by the FDA Inspectorate at the Bureau of Customs in Port Area, Manila.

The FDA urged consumers to use only FDA-approved slimming pills or anti-obesity drugs under the supervision of doctors. It also appealed to the BOC to be more vigilant in guarding against the entry of unregistered or illegal health products.