Consumer Alert: Hydroxycut Recalled

On May 1, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers to immediately stop using the diet drug Hydroxycut due to reports of serious liver injuries, including at least one death.[1] Reported health problems range from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes (an indicator of potential liver injury), to liver damage requiring a liver transplant.[2] Other reported problems include seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney failure.[3]

"The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risk," said Linda Katz, M.D., interim chief medical officer of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.[4]

Patients reported liver injury while using the doses of Hydroxycut that were recommended on the bottle.[5] Symptoms of liver injury include a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), brown urine, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.[6]

The following products are covered by the recall:

• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Regular 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

Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products are not affected by the recall.[7]

The FDA has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may lead to injuries.[8] It issued the warning after receiving a number of reports about liver injuries from Hydroxycut users, including the death of a 17-year-old boy.[9] Hydroxycut's manufacturer, Iovate Health Services, Inc., of Ontario, Canada, has voluntarily agreed to recall the drug.[10] The company has posted information about the recall at www.hydroxycutinformation.com.[11]

If you believe you have been harmed by Hydroxycut, you should keep the bottles and pills that you have on hand in case they become evidence.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured while using Hydroxycut and you wish to consult with a lawyer, please call Eileen Bujold at 612-349-8594. You can also reach us toll-free at 1-800-553-9910, or by e-mail by clicking on this link: contact us.