Hydroxycut
Defective Products
Hydroxycut Recall Attorneys in Seattle, Washington
Recouping Damages for Injuries Caused by Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut is a product line of dietary supplements that have been on the market for several years in the United States. They are marketed as products that will help people lose weight, and they are sold on an over the counter basis in drug stores, health food stores and grocery stores across the United States.
Hydroxycut Harmful Effects and Copmensation for Injuries
Washington Lawyer for Hydroxycut Victims
Why Are Hydroxycut Products Used?
Hydroxycut products are used because they are marketed as ‘made with all natural products’ that help people raise their body temperature, which is a state known as thermogenesis. People use them if they want to lose weight because they tend to raise the metabolism and burn calories even without a rigorous exercise routine. Body builders tend to use them because they burn fat while not attacking lean muscle mass.
FDA Approval
Hydroxycut products did not require FDA approval before hitting the market. The reason is that these products are classified as supplements, which means that not only do they not require approval from the FDA, but they also do not have to go through a trial process whereby clinicians test the products in a controlled laboratory setting to detect any potential problems.
The only law that seems to govern Hydroxycut products concerns full disclosure to consumers. Basically, all supplement makers must disclose the presence of any ingredients that could be dangerous to those who use them based on preexisting conditions or other prominent risk factors. This appears to be the basic reason that the manufacturer of Hydroxycut initiated a voluntary recall in conjunction with the FDA
Side Effects of Hydroxycut
Before the current issue regarding side effects arose that led to the recall, there were reports of some side effects in users of the products. Specifically, some reported having trouble sleeping, nose bleeds, heightened blood pressure (which can be dangerous) and nausea. However, none of these side effects prompted FDA involvement.
The side effects that led to the recall concern damage to the liver. Some consumers reported the development of jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin that’s the result of the liver not processing toxins quickly enough, to total liver failure that required surgery and transplants in some cases. In all, 23 reports of liver-related damage came to the forefront, and a 19-year-old man died after using Hydroxycut products.
Prior Warnings
There were no specific prior warnings regarding Hydroxycut, and that has to do with the lack of an approval process. The only public legal proceeding that was executed against the makers of Hydroxycut originated with the Attorney General of Missouri, who sued the makers of these products on the basis of false advertising. Specifically, the advertising language that stated that Hydroxycut products were ‘proven to burn fat’ was attacked by the Attorney General.
Hydroxycut Contraindications
One of the main problems with Hydroxycut appears to be the confusing nature of the ingredients, which makes the measurement and tracking of any contraindications nearly impossible. Specifically, officials have noted that the ingredients of these products have changed repeatedly, meaning that no scientific sample exists that could accurately measure potential problems.
Hydroxycut FAQ’s
Who makes Hydroxycut?
Hydroxycut is manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences Inc. The company is based in Canada and has a distributorship in Buffalo, New York, which is one of the reasons, aside from the fact that the products are sold here, that the FDA has jurisdiction over this matter and why civil courts also have jurisdiction.
How popular were the Hydroxycut products?
These products generated a high amount of revenue, which is one of the reasons that the FDA acted so decisively when it became apparent that those who used Hydroxycut products were taking on unreasonable risks. Estimates indicate that at least nine million packages of these products were sold every year.
Which products were recalled?
As stated above, Hydroxycut is not just one product, but rather is an entire line of products that are all marketed under the same brand name. In all, 14 of the Hydroxycut products were recalled, and they include:
- 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 should I do if I have been using Hydroxycut?
If you have been using any of these products, the FDA specifically states that you should stop doing so immediately. You should also seek a medical evaluation, as liver damage may not present itself immediately or may show relatively mild symptoms initially before becoming more serious and dangerous. If you have been injured as a result of using Hydroxycut products, contact the defective drugs attorneys at the law firm of Phillips Webster as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.