Nearly 20 Products Marketed as Natural Supplements Contain Sibutramine, FDA Warns

October 27, 2011 9:53 AM Topics: Controlled substances

FDA has posted public warnings regarding 19 products, frequently marketed as natural supplements, and found to contain sibutramine, a controlled substance that was removed from the US market in October 2010 for safety reasons. These products pose a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. These products may also interact in life threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking. FDA warnings included products marketed as “Slender Slim 11,” “Dream Body Slimming Capsule,” “Acai Berry Soft Gel ABC,” and 16 other product names. The complete list of warnings is available on the FDA Web site. The products included in the warnings are being sold on Web sites and in some retail stores. FDA advises consumers not to purchase or use the products listed in the warnings. Consumers who have purchased any of these products, should stop use immediately. And if consumers have experienced any negative side effects from using these products, they should consult a health care provider as soon as possible.