Hydroxycut Problems Could Have Been Prevented

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted May 5, 2009

ADD YOUR COMMENTS 10

Approximately 9 million people used Hydroxycut weight loss products before they were pulled from the market last week due to an increased risk of liver problems and other potentially life-threatening injuries. Thousands of people could suffer catastrophic liver damage, and many of these Hydroxycut problems could have been avoided with better government oversight and more responsible testing by the manufacturer.

>>INFORMATION: Lawsuits over Hydroxycut

Hydroxycut Problems

Hydroxycut Recall

Hydroxycut was an over-the-counter dietary supplement that was marketed for weight loss, fat burning, water loss and as an energy enhancer. Although it contains “natural” ingredients, some of those components could be toxic to the liver, causing liver damage, liver failure and in some cases the need for a liver transplant in otherwise health people.

The recall on Hydroxycut was issued on May 1, 2009, after the FDA reported that at least 23 cases of serious liver problems have been linked to Hydroxycut. Information provided by the FDA suggest that the reports date back seven years.

Typically the number of FDA reported adverse events associated with a medical product are estimated to reflect only about 1% of all issues. However, the problems with Hydroxycut reported by the FDA likely represent only a fraction of 1% since the product was widely used, sold over the counter and complications can develop months after Hydroxycut is stopped.

According to an editorial published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology the liver problems from Hydroxycut may have been prevented if U.S. regulators had taken the more precautionary approach taken by regulators in other countries like Canada and Europe:

Poor regulation of dietary supplements in the US has been noted by consumer advocates, researchers and policymakers. US manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required to conduct trials establishing safety or efficacy prior to marketing; only provide a copy of their label for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review. Ingredients do not need to be considered “generally regarded as safe” as pharmaceuticals or food additives do, and the FDA must prove that a supplement is harmful before taking regulatory action. This means consumers in effect become unwitting subjects in a large scale post-marketing trial of a product’s safety.

LAWSUITS OVER HYDROXYCUT RECALL

The Hydroxycut lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are evaluating potential claims throughout the United States on behalf of individuals who used a Hydroxycut weight-loss product and have been diagnosed with:

  • Liver Damage
  • Elevated Liver Enzymes
  • Jaundice
  • Liver Failure
  • Kidney Failure
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Death

To find out if you, a friend or family member may be entitled to compensation, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

10 Comments • Add Your Comments

  • sonya says:

    How can I get a refund on the bottle of hydroxycut. I started taking my three bottle, but a recall was issued. I want my refund on the bottle that I have and I have taken some of the pills and I do not have receipt.

    Posted on May 6, 2009 at 11:56 am

  • Carrie says:

    This is horrible..I was taking this pill..I took it because it was lead to believe to be safe..I actually have 2 of these symptoms for a week now..I have brown urine & itching..I was unaware of the recall for 5day’s..This is very unfair & I have no insurance to see a doctor..So what do I do now? Guess go to the hospital..I hope I find out I’m fine..Hopefully everyone is who took/taken this dietary supplement will be also..

    Posted on May 8, 2009 at 3:00 pm

  • Debbie says:

    My hushand and I were both taking this. His blood pressure did go up and he stopped. I stopped weeks ago, just because I did not feel it was helping. We have 2 half full bottles. How do we get a full refund on this?

    Posted on May 13, 2009 at 7:10 pm

  • Chuck says:

    I was taking it for three years and stopped late last year because I was feeling terrible.

    Posted on May 14, 2009 at 1:24 pm

  • Paula says:

    My 17 year old son has been using this product while working out. He purchased it in GNC. He had bloodwork and his liver enzymes was elevated and we saw a liver specialist today. I pray theres no damage to his liver.

    Posted on May 14, 2009 at 7:53 pm

  • Paula says:

    I have also used the Hardcore. I was ill a few weeks back with a stomach aliment (pain in my stomach,liver area) only to find I have some damage on my liver. I purchased it thinking it was safe, and had taken 2-3 bottles of it because I lost great weight with it. My son purchased some also and was also using it back a few months ago while working out and he is the comment I posted about the elevated liver enzymes. I reported this to his docttor that he had used the hydroxy cut hardcore, and I intend to findout if my damage is also a result of the use of this product. Ive decided its not safe to take ANYTHING becasue stuff like this happens and innocent people are hurt in the consquiences.

    Posted on May 14, 2009 at 8:01 pm

  • mrs.smith says:

    This is horrible, I have never taken any type of diet pill in my life and i too thought that this was safe. I have been taken hydroxycut for about 2 yrs know and i just stopped tonight when i read this recall.All we can do is pray for one another and just get back to old fashion exercise. Lately i been having headaches maybe twice a week sometimes, very unusal for me and significant appetite loss. God Bless Us All

    Posted on May 15, 2009 at 1:44 am

  • theresa says:

    How can I get a refund on hydroxycut drink mixes. I have been mixing and drinking them, but a recall was issued. I want my refund on the packets that I have and I have taken some and I do not have receipt

    Posted on May 15, 2009 at 12:55 pm

  • JULIE says:

    I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I CAN GET REFUND FOR THE BOTTLE I JUST BOUGHT? I DONT HAVE THE RECEIPT. I BOUGHT IT JUST BEFORE THE RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED. 🙁

    Posted on May 21, 2009 at 2:05 pm

  • mandy says:

    I been taking the product for 3 years now on a off for the first two years and then this past year i took it all year long. I have had 4 adnorimal EKGS , STOMACH PAIN, ITCHING, HEADACHES, LOSS OF APPIIETE, CARDOVASLSIOR DISORDERS,I had my blood taken the other day I do not know the results yet but they will pay for all their problems they caused me. I have extreme tiredness everyday, rapid heartbeat with chest pain, weakness. Everyone should be entitled too some type of comusation from them for their dangerous product!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted on May 21, 2009 at 5:11 pm

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