Voluntary recall of Hydroxycut® products in Singapore

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is warning consumers to stop using Hydroxycut® products, manufactured by Iovate HealthSciences USA. These are being recalled in the USA due to cumulative reports of serious adverse reactions there. Hydroxycut® products are marketed for weight-loss (fat burners, energy-enhancers, low carb diet aids, and for water loss) and are distributed by Global Active Limited in Singapore through GNC outlets and other retail outlets, including pharmacies. They are also sold over the Internet.

To-date, no local reports of adverse reactions have been received in relation to the consumption of Hydroxycut® products. However, HSA is concerned about the overseas serious adverse reports that are suspected to be associated with this brand of products and that consumers should not be exposed to this unnecessary health risk.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received 23 reports of serious adverse reactions affecting the liver including one death due to liver failure. Symptoms of liver injury include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite. In the majority of the patients, no pre-existing medical conditions that predisposed the consumer to liver injury could be identified other than the consumption of the implicated products. The incidence of liver damage appears to be relatively rare in relation to the usage of these products but these products have been assessed to pose a serious public health risk. Other adverse reports received by the US FDA included fits, heart disorders and muscle damage.

HSA advises consumers who have been taking Hydroxycut® products to stop taking them immediately and to discard them. If they experience any adverse reactions or feel unwell, they should seek medical advice from their doctors.

In consultation with HSA, Global Active Limited has initiated voluntary recall of Hydroxycut® products in Singapore and consumers may contact Global Active Limited directly at Tel: 62856778 ext. 126, 136 , 148 and 104 , Mon-Fri, 9am - 6pm.

HSA will continue to monitor the situation closely and update the public should there be any new development.

Published: 4 May 2009

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