The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about many products promoted for weight loss and sexual enhancement.
That's because these products may contain hidden ingredients that have been removed from the market due to safety reasons or hidden ingredients that are only available by prescription because they are associated with risks and need to be prescribed by a doctor.
Products Promoted for Weight Loss
The weight loss products the FDA is warning the public about contain sibutramine, desmethylsibutramine or both. In October of 2010, sibutramine, a controlled substance, was removed from the market because of safety concerns.
Desmethylsibutramine is structurally similar to sibutramine. These ingredients can increase blood pressure and heart rate. This can be very dangerous in those with a history of heart failure, coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or stroke.
In addition, these ingredients can interact with other medications and become life-threatening.
Zi Xiu Tang Beauty Face & Figure Capsule contains fluoxetine and phenolphthalein. Phenolphthalein is not an FDA-approved ingredient, and fluoxetine is an antidepressant.
The FDA is warning the public about the following products:
- Adelgazantes R-II
- Citrus’ Fit
- Mang Luk Power Slim and Mang Luk Power Slim Detox
- Maxx Easy
- Ultimate Lean
- Zi Xiu Tang Beauty Face & Figure Capsules
- Slim Fit X
Products Promoted for Sexual Enhancement
The sexual enhancement products the FDA is warning the public about contain sildenafil.
Sildenafil, a controlled substance, is approved to treat erectile dysfunction. However, sildenafil is only available by prescription. This is because there are risks associated with the use of sildenafil.
In addition, sildenafil and nitrates are not supposed to be taken together. When they are taken together, they can lower blood pressure to very dangerous levels.
The FDA is warning the public about the following products:
- Boss-Rhino Gold X-tra Strength
- Anaconda Strong Formula
- De Guo Hei Bei (徳国黑倍)
- Super Bull 6000
- The Golden Root
- Shangai Ultra X
- Libigirl
- Weili (一炮到天亮 or Yi Pao Dao Tian Liang)
- Ziyinzhuangyang
- Super Shangai
- Power Spring (XXX) Oral Liquid
What Does the FDA Recommend?
These products are typically marketed as “all natural.” Just because they are bought over the counter does not deem them all natural. In fact, these products commonly contain ingredients that are only available by prescription.
Furthermore, the FDA is not able to test and identify all products that are sold as dietary supplements. The FDA warns consumers to be cautious when buying products marketed for weight loss or for sexual enhancement.
The FDA also encourages patients to report adverse events or side effects associated with any of these products. Patients can report to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
