The FDA has pulled Hydroxycut off the market several times over concern about cardiovascular and liver toxicity. Despite new reports of liver damage, Hydroxycut remains one of the most popular diet pills on the market.
What You Can Do & How a Hydroxycut SX-7 Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Hydroxycut SX-7 induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with liver damage, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dietary Supplement Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
MuscleTech and Iovate Health Sciences have sold the weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut for over a decade. It was the most popular diet pill that contained ephedra, a stimulant drug that was linked to heart problems. After the FDA banned ephedra in 2004, Hydroxycut was re-formulated.
Hydroxycut Recall
Fourteen different formulations of Hydroxycut were recalled in May 2009 after a deadly outbreak of liver damage. At least 23 people reported liver injuries, including one who needed a liver transplant. One person died from liver failure.
Other reported side effects included seizures, heart problems, rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage), and kidney failure.
The FDA warned that these injuries occurred in patients who were on Hydroxycut, as well as those who had stopped it months ago. In addition:
“Liver injury, although rare, was reported by patients at the doses of Hydroxycut recommended on the bottle. … FDA urges consumers to stop using Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risk.”
Hydroxycut SX-7
Despite FDA warnings, Hydroxycut remains one of the most popular weight-loss supplements. New “non-stimulant” formulations, such as Hydroxycut SX-7, continue to be sold online and in stores like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe.
Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
About 40 individual lawsuits and class actions involving Hydroxycut were consolidated in federal court in California in 2010. Lawsuits accused drug-makers of downplaying risk information and falsely advertising Hydroxycut as safe and effective. In 2012, the makers of Hydroxycut agreed to pay a $25 million settlement. However, terms were rejected and the settlement was reduced to $14 million in January 2014.
What is the problem?
The problem is that serious liver injuries also continue to be reported. A case report published in January 2014 described a 27 year-old man who had liver toxicity after taking Hydroxycut for two weeks. The product he was taking contained powerful extracts of green tea leaves.
Is Hydroxycut Safe?
Unlike food and drugs, the FDA does not require manufacturers of weight-loss supplements to prove that their products are safe before they are allowed on the market. Even if the product is dangerous, the FDA only issues recalls after they have caused serious injuries, or tests have found illegal ingredients.
Liver Damage Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dark-colored urine and clay-colored stools
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Confusion or disorientation
- Elevated liver enzyme levels
- Fatigue
Do I have a Hydroxycut SX-7 Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Hydroxycut SX-7 induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with liver damage, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dietary Supplement Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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