Japanese weight loss pill gets FDA warning

The pills called “Japan Rapid Weight Loss Diet Pills” are distributed by a company called Xiushentang and sold on popular web sites including Amazon.com.

Lemonade Diet

These pills contain the ingredient Phenolphthalein, which is found to ‘potentially damage or even cause mutations in a person’s DNA’, says FDA.

The pills come packaged in three colours: green, yellow and blue. FDA has strongly advised consumers to keep away from these pills, discard them if already bought. FDA advised patients who have already taken the pills to consult their doctors, especially if they see any kind of side-effects. FDA issued these reports after a thorough lab analysis of the pills in question, and declared that they contain “undeclared phenolphthalein.”

The FDA statement read, “Phenolphthalein is a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the United States.”

The FDA has classified the agent as “not generally recognized as safe and effective.” The FDA warning also stated that Phenolphthalein has been found to potentially damage or even cause mutations in a person’s DNA.

Anothre weight-loss drug named Meridia was removed from the market in 2010. Meridia was found to contain both phenolphthalein and sibutramine. The latter is ingredient connected to higher risk of increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some individuals. It is especially dangerous with people with a history of heart disease, irregular heartbeats, and stroke.

The FDA report on sibutramine stated, “The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.”

Lemonade Diet

Both sibutramine and phenolphthalein were banned from the market and removed in 2010 by FDA after the dangers were discovered. They are also found to interact with other medication causing a potential life-threatening situation in some individuals.

Then there is another product named “Japan Weight Loss Blue” that contains sibutramine and ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedra is also a banned ingredient because it can boost blood pressure to risky levels.

All these products are available through online buying from websites like eBay and Amazon.com.

The FDA has also stated that such weight loss pills are an emerging trend in pharmaceutical companies promoting dietary supplements that contain hidden ingredients that are harmful. The warning for public by the administration includes a plea to keep away from the over-the-counter diet pills.