Problems from Hydroxycut Should Lead to Stricter Regulation

It was not discovered that problems with Hydroxycut can cause liver damage and other potentially life threatening injury until after tens of millions of doses of pills, powders and liquid variations of the dietary supplement had already been sold to Americans. A lack of effective government regulation over the dietary supplement market has created a situation where consumers have very little protection against potentially dangerous over-the-counter products they take to improve their health.

>>MORE INFORMATION: Hydroxycut Lawsuit

Iovate Health Sciences issued a Hydroxycut recall on May 1, 2009, after they received intense pressure from the FDA due to at least 23 reports of serious liver problems, ranging from jaundice to liver damage requiring a transplant. However, Iovate was aware of the potential liver problems from Hydroxycut for years and continued to sell the supplements without providing consumers with adequate warnings.

Many former users have understandably expressed frustration and anger over the fact that the recall for Hydroxycut was not issued earlier. While the manufacturer should have placed consumer safety ahead of their desire for profits, a lack of strong federal regulations over the dietary supplement industry really minimized any incentive for them to voluntarily issue a recall earlier.

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), the FDA is very limited in what they can do to protect the public, as they are only able to rely on information provided by the manufacturers and consumer reports of problems. The FDA generally does not approve new dietary supplements and is only able to take action after a product is already on the market. Even then, they must show that it poses a significant and unreasonable risk of injury or illness.

Regulation of dietary supplements should be stronger because these are not life-saving products, and any risk of serious harm should be seen as unacceptable. In addition, because the products are sold over-the-counter, largely based on television advertisements and other marketing, there is usually not a doctor or other learned intermediary evaluating the risk of injury compared to the benefits.

LAWYERS FOR HYDROXYCUT LAWSUITS

Now that information about the problems has been disclosed, the Hydroxycut recall lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals who have been diagnosed with:

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

To review a potential claim and find out if you qualify for a Hydroxycut lawsuit, request a free consultation and claim evaluation by calling (800) 522-0102 or completing our request form.