Will FDA Regulate Ephedra?
May 18, 2001
Ephedra may cause serious side effects including heart palpitations, strokes, and even death. Ephedra can be found in several over-the-counter weight loss stimulants, typically sold in local health food and herbal supplement stores. After receiving over 270 reports of serious side effects, the Food and Drug Administration is debating whether or not Ephedra should carry a warning label.
Dr. Neil Benowitz, who has studied the supplement extensively, commented that Ephedra "has serious risks for subsets of the population." Patients who use Ephedra need to be aware "that these are not totally benign substances. They've got drugs in them. They've got serious side effects."
Patients who have a history of heart disease should not take Ephedra. The FDA is still looking into several cases of patients who have suffered heart attacks, strokes, blood pressure increases, and seizures.
The dietary supplement industry opposes any regulation by the FDA and believes that the current warning label is sufficient.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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