Batches of fat-burning supplement OxyElite Pro are likely going to be removed from shelves soon. The Hawaii Department of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) are encouraging consumers to stop using the supplement, after several reports of hepatitis, liver-failure, and even one death may have been linked to the dietary supplement, the New York Daily News reports.
So far, 29 suspected cases have been under investigation. In 24 of those cases, more than 80%, symptom sufferers reported using OxyElite Pro. 11 consumers were also hospitalized, while two required liver transplants.
Possible Dangers of OxyElite Pro
OxyElite Pro is a weight loss and muscle building dietary supplement that is sold nationwide. According to a statement released from the company to the FDA, reports USA Today, they believe that counterfeit versions of the supplement are being marketed.
The company also claimed that the liver problems, "[are] complete mystery and nothing like this has ever been associated with OxyElite Pro."
However, just to be safe, domestic distribution has since ceased while the investigation carries on.
No Such Thing as "Fat-Burning"
The CDC, according to USA Today, is urging health-care providers, hospitals, and all other health agencies to be on the lookout for any patients who develop liver failure or acute hepatitis after using a weight-loss and/or a muscle building supplement.
An expert with the Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts, according to USA Today, also added that the concept of a fat-burning pill is a myth. "The idea that there is a natural weight-loss pill out there is hogwash. Either the pills don't work or they do work because they contain substances which are not natural and are pharmaceuticals."
Dietary supplements, such as OxyElite Pro, don't actually have to be approved by the FDA before they are sold in stores. However, this doesn't mean that they aren't just as susceptible to being recalled as any other product.
While the FDA is investigating, they could not be reached for comment because of the ongoing government shutdown.
Related Resources:
OxyELITE Pro Pulled From Shelves Nationwide After 29 Liver Failure Cases In Hawaii (The Huffington Post)
Dietary Supplements (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
When 'Fad' Diets Go Wrong, Can You Sue? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
Company Spikes Dietary Health Supplements With Steroids (FindLaw's Injured)