| U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
FDA Press Release, Jan 12, 2006
FDA Requests Seizure of More Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids
At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S.
Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania filed a Complaint for
Forfeiture against Lipodrene, a dietary supplement that contains ephedrine
alkaloids. The U.S. Marshals, today, seized the dietary supplement Lipodrene
located at ATF Fitness Products, Inc., in Oakmont, PA.
The U.S. Marshals seized five unlabeled boxes containing various quantities
of Lipodrene bottles from ATF Fitness Products, Inc. Each bottle of Lipodrene
contains 100 tablets and is labeled with the recommended daily dose of 50 mg of
ephedrine alkaloids. The seized products are valued at approximately
$16,000.
Ephedrine alkaloids are adrenaline-like stimulants that can have potentially
dangerous effects on the heart. Recent studies have confirmed that ephedrine
alkaloids raise blood pressure and otherwise stress the circulatory system,
effects that are linked to adverse health effects like heart attacks and
strokes. Based on this and other evidence in the scientific literature, FDA
issued a rule in 2004 declaring that dietary supplements containing ephedrine
alkaloids present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.
This advisory was prepared by the FDA Office of Public Affairs.