FDA Warns Consumers of Numerous Products Containing Hidden Drug Ingredients

August 16, 2016

On August 9, 2016, the FDA issued five public notifications advising consumers not to purchase or use a number of products, including:

  1. Citrus’ Fit
  2. Adelgazantes R-II
  3. Boss-Rhino Gold X-tra Strength
  4. Anaconda Strong Formula
  5. De Guo Hei Bei (徳国黑倍)

All five products were identified during an examination of international mail shipments, and laboratory analyses later confirmed that they contain various harmful and hidden drug ingredients.

Citrus’ Fit & Adelgazantes R-II

The FDA is warning consumers not to use or purchase Citrus’ Fit and Adelgazantes R-II, which are both promoted for weight loss.  The FDA’s lab analyses identified and confirmed that both products contain sibutramine.

Sibutramine, a controlled substance, was removed from the market for safety reasons in October 2010.  According to the FDA’s notice, “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.”  Furthermore, the product could also have life-threatening interactions with other medications being taken by consumers.

In addition to sibutramine, FDA’s analysis of Citrus’ Fit also determined that the product contains desmethylsibutramine, a substance similar in structure to sibutramine, thus furthering the Agency’s safety concerns associated with the product’s use.

Boss-Rhino Gold X-tra Strength, Anaconda Strong Formula, & De Guo Hei Bei (徳国黑倍)

During FDA’s lab analyses of Boss-Rhino Gold X-tra Strength, Anaconda Strong Formula, and De Guo Hei Bei (徳国黑倍), the Agency found that the products contain sildenafil.  Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, the FDA-approved drug indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).  Although sildenafil is approved by FDA in some products, the Agency notes that it “may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.”  Nitrates are often taken by men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

The FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of any of the above mentioned products to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

For additional information, view the Agency’s public notifications:

Are you in the process of developing a dietary supplement? Do you have a supplement that you’re looking to verify is compliant with all FDA regulations? We can help you achieve a successful interaction with FDA.  To learn more about our services and how we can help you, contact us today.

TAGS:

November 2, 2015

FTC Addresses Concerns on FDA’s Biosimilar Naming Convention

On August 28, 2015, FDA published a draft guidance entitled “Nonproprietary Naming of Biological Products.” If finalized, the draft guidance will establish a naming convention for biosimilars. The...

July 26, 2016

FDA Warns Consumers of Hidden Drug Ingredients in Certain Xcelerated Weight Loss Products

On Friday, July 22nd , the FDA published three public notifications warning consumers of hidden drug ingredients that are present in various Xcelerated Weight Loss products. Two of the company’s...

January 25, 2017

Medical Product Communication, Part Two: Medical Product Communications That are Consistent with the FDA-Required Labeling – Questions and Answers

After various industry professionals and stakeholders expressed an interest in learning more about the FDA’s views on communications regarding medical products, the Agency has released two draft...