FDA Announced Hydroxycut Dietary Supplement Recall After Liver Damage
Dietary Supplement Hydroxycut Poses a Potential Risk to Consumers
On May 1st 2009, the FDA announced a recall of 14 different Hydroxycut dietary supplement products (listed below) in the wake of at least 23 reports of liver problems, including the death of a 19 year old. At least one patient required a liver transplant. Hydroxycut products are sold under both the “Iovate” and “Muscletech” brands. Hydroxycut is sold as a “dietary supplement” and as such, is not subject to the same level of scrutiny and testing by the FDA as prescription medicines, and does not require FDA approval to be sold. It is estimated that 9 million packages of Hydroxycut products were sold in 2008 through pharmacies, grocery stores, and supplement boutique stores.
Victim of Hydroxycut? Call the law offices of Seeger Weiss 877-539-4125 or request a case evaluation.
Many athletes, bodybuilders, and those looking for an easier way to shed a few pounds have used Hydroxycut dietary supplements manufactured and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences and Muscletech, Inc. These supplements are marketed as “research supported” products that control hunger, increase metabolism, and boost energy, among other claims. Hydroxycut’s marketing literature proclaims, “The key ingredients in Hydroxycut® have been scientifically researched and combined to work optimally as indicated on the label.” Unfortunately, many consumers have reported suffering from serious illnesses while taking Hydroxycut supplements at their recommended dosages, including liver problems, seizures, cardiovascular disorders and rhabdomylolysis, a form of muscle damage that can cause kidney failure. Shockingly, a 19 year old boy is reported to have died because of liver failure related to Hydroxycut usage. Symptoms of liver damage may include jaundice, brown urine, nausea, vomiting, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, itching and loss of appetite. Despite Iovate and Muscletech’s claims of its safety, Hydroxycut products have been implicated in an increasing number of injuries.
The following Hydroxycut Products were recalled:
- 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
If you or someone you love has been using Hydroxycut products and experienced any of the injuries or symptoms described above, and you would like to discuss your rights, please contact a member of Seeger Weiss LLP's experienced staff toll-free at (877) 539-4125 to discuss your potential claim, or fill out the form linked below. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and California, and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
