On May 1, 2009, the FDA warned consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products, after receiving 23 reports of serious health related problems related to the dietary supplements.  Manufacturer Iovate Health Sciences agreed to recall Hydroxycut products.

Reported problems included serious liver-related adverse events such as jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and severe liver damage resulting in liver transplant.  One death due to liver failure was reported. Other reports included seizure; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a serious muscle condition that can lead to kidney failure.
 
According to the FDA, although liver injury is rare, it did occur at the Hydroxycut dose recommended on the bottle. The FDA also advises that 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.

The following Hydroxycut products are subject to the recall:

•    Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
•    Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
•    Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
•    Hydroxycut Max Liquid Capsules
•    Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
•    Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
•    Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
•    Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
•    Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
•    Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
•    Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
•    Hydroxycut 24
•    Hydroxycut Carb Control
•    Hydroxycut Natural

What You Can Do

The FDA advises consumers to contact their health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with Hydroxycut products. The FDA also encourages consumers and professionals to report suspected Hydroxycut side effects or product quality problems to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm, or by phone 800-FDA-1088.

If you or a family member was injured as a result of Hydroxycut use, please submit a Free Case Evaluation Form, or call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Since 1984, the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg has represented hundreds of individuals injured by dangerous and defective drug products.  The firm has played a leading role in the litigation of high-profile drug lawsuits including Vioxx, Baycol, and blood products, recovering over $700 million on behalf of the firm's clients.