Hydroxycut
Due to its link to serious liver injuries and one death, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to immediately stop using the over-the-counter dietary supplement, Hydroxycut. In its warning issued May 1, 2009, the FDA identified 23 reports of Hydroxycut causing serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes (an indicator of potential liver injury) to liver damage requiring liver transplant. Other health problems reported include seizures, cardiovascular disorders (ranging in severity from palpitations to a heart attack), and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure. One death due to liver failure has been reported to the FDA. The injuries reported to FDA occurred in persons between 21 and 51 years of age, and no other cause for liver disease was identified. In the majority of cases, no pre-existing medical condition that would predispose the consumer to liver injury was identified.
Recalled Hydroxycut Products
Hydroxycut products are multi-ingredient dietary supplements that are marketed for weight loss, fat burners, energy-enhancers, low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names. The maker of Hydroxycut has agreed to voluntarily recall all 14 Hydroxycut products. A list of the recalled Hydroxycut products is set forth below:
- Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
- Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
- Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
- Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
- Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
- Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
- Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
- Hydroxycut 24
- Hydroxycut Carb Control
- Hydroxycut Natural
These dietary supplements have been available for purchase in most grocery stores, health food stores, and pharmacies without a prescription. The popularity and demand for Hydroxycut products has been extremely high, and reports indicate that 9 million units were sold in the United States last year alone. Hydroxycut products are manufactured in Ontario, Canada by Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. and distributed in the U.S. by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc., near Buffalo, New York.
The attorneys at Alley, Clark & Greiwe are investigating Hydroxycut claims. We are reviewing claims where a person has suffered liver failure, a liver transplant, or a death from liver failure. Please contact our office for important information regarding your legal rights if you or a loved one has been injured by this product.
