FDA recalls Pai You Guo weight loss supplement

People who bought the weight loss supplement, Pai You Guo, may have gotten some extra ingredients for free, including a prescription drug and a dangerous chemical. The Food and Drug Administration said all lots of the supplement had been recalled because it contained the weight loss drug, sibutramine (Meridia), and phenolphthalein, a chemical that may cause cancer.

Both of these agents could play havoc with your health. Sibutramine may be relatively safe when used under a doctor’s supervision, but it carries some risky side effects that could prove dangerous to unsuspecting consumers. Sibutramine can increase your pulse and blood pressure and could be particularly risky for people with a history of coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke.

The FDA advised consumers who purchased any Pai You Guo capsules or powder (for tea or with juice) to destroy it or return it to the manufacturer, GMP Herbal Products in Westminster, Calif.

—Steve Mitchell, associate editor, Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs

Our article, Are diet pills effective?, explains why the risks of supplements and weight loss drugs aren’t worth it. And Lose extra pounds, gives you the basics of shedding weight with healthy exercise and diet changes. For more on safe and effective weight loss strategies, see our Treatment Ratings (subscribers only).

Comments

[smilinggreenmom]

This is really scary. That is what makes me so glad that I use natural products because of all of the dangers associated with chemicals in products. I take the Vidazorb chewable probiotic and really love it for so many reasons including how I have read that probiotics can really help with weight management. The best part to me is that they are safe and natural!