Stop Using Hydroxycut Products Text Size:

On May 1, 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers to immediately stop using any Hydroxycut products. There are currently 14 different types of products recalled, ranging from caplets to pills and drinks. They are all manufactured by Lovate Health Services Inc., and are widely available in health food stores and supermarkets.

What Is Hydroxycut?

Hydroxycut is used by millions as a dietary supplement for people seeking to lose fat, obtain more energy and build more muscle. The manufacturers of the supplement claim it can burn 4.5 times more calories than diet and exercise alone. However, there have been many reports of serious health damage. The FDA has recently received at least 23 reports of serious liver injuries, including a death of a 19-year-old teenager. The products now being recalled by the FDA include:

• 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 Packet
• 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

The FDA warns anyone using Hydroxycut to stop immediately, and to consult a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• Brown urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain
• Itching
• Light colored stools

These symptoms have all been linked to liver damage.

Other side effects associated with Hydroxycut are:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased hearth rate
• Increased sweating
• Headaches, light-headedness and dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Restless feeling
• Jitteriness

How Can These Supplements Be So Dangerous If They Are Widely Available?

Dietary supplements and vitamins aren't as strongly regulated by the government as medicine. Because Hydroxycut is a dietary supplement, its manufacturer doesn't need to register it with the FDA or even get FDA approval before selling it - meaning that manufacturers have much more freedom than medicine providers. However, the FDA can take action against products it determines are unsafe once they are being sold in the market. Also, any serious side effects reported to the manufacturer of the supplement are now required to be reported to the FDA within 15 days.

After receiving complaints and after FDA pressure, Lovate Health Sciences has agreed to recall the products from the market until further information is gathered.

What Should You Do?

Today, there are a variety of foods and dietary supplements sold in grocery stores and supermarkets, even health food stores. However, you must remain vigilant. It's a good idea to consult your doctor before taking any supplements and carefully examine the list of ingredients.

If you are one of the millions who've used such supplements and are suffering from their side effects, you may be able to receive compensation for your suffering and health damage. Following the FDA announcement, many law firms are encouraging Hydroxycut users to contact them to file a claim.

Tip: Do some research and contact an attorney with Ephedra or Hydroxycut side effect experience, who can protect your legal rights.

What Happens Next?

A lawyer can investigate the details of the injury or death to determine whether or not it was caused by Hydroxycut. Once the cause has been determined, the attorney will be able to file a claim to try to get compensation for your injury and to ensure that the manufacturers of the supplement are held accountable. A lawsuit can seek payment for your:

• Medical bills
• Treatment programs
• Lost wages due to unemployment
• Decreased quality of life
• Funeral and burial costs for surviving family members
• Emotional pain and suffering

In the meantime, stop using any Hydroxycut product and check in with the FDA Web site for further updates.

Questions for Your Attorney

• What types of injuries are consumers who have used Hydroxycut reported, and what kinds of lawsuits are there against the manufacturer?
• How do doctors and lawyers determine whether someone's health problems are related to these products?
• When shopping for diet supplements or aids, how can I tell if a product is FDA-regulated?

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