Weight loss drug has hidden ingredient with cardiac side effects: FDA

The US Food and Drug administration has issued a warning to the consumers that Alfia Weight Loss Capsules contain sibutramine, a controlled substance known to pose cardiac side effects.

Food and Drug administration laboratory analysis confirmed that Alfia Weight Loss Capsules contain sibutramine. Sibutramine is a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for safety reasons. The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or heart rate in some people and may present a significant risk for people with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. This product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking.

"The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or heart rate in some people and may present a significant risk for people with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke,” the FDA wrote in its advisory. “This product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking.”

Health care professionals and patients should report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report online at MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form, or;

• Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

Note: This notification is to inform the public of products marketed as dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drug ingredients and chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or body building and are often represented as being “all natural.” FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients. Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories.