Are you using weight loss supplements? Then heads up! FDA may have a stern warning for you.
On Friday, February 28, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement, telling consumers to take extra precaution in purchasing weight loss supplements. They also warn them from buying Oxy Elite Pro, a type of thermogenic.
Many weight loss supplements are thermogenic, which means they can increase the body's internal heat, thereby boosting metabolism and melting more fat.
The product tested was one of those that arrived from another country. According to FDA analysis, one of the major ingredients of the supplement is fluoxetine. Although this one is approved by the FDA as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), it should be used only for the treatment of certain disorders including but not limited to bulimia, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression. It may also be prescribed to patients of premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD).
Fluoxetine is a very strong medication and should not be taken nonchalantly because of its several serious side effects. When taken in the long term, it may lead to seizures and abnormal bleeding. Some have also complained of having suicidal thoughts.
It also has contraindications, especially if the person is taking ibuprofen and aspirin. Side effects may also be significant for people who have been undergoing chemotherapy or have been diagnosed with a blood clot and heart conditions. In the most severe case, fluoxetine can cause death or arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
Meanwhile, USPLabs, the company that developed Oxy Elite Pro has also issued its own statement, saying that the product tested by the FDA was a counterfeit (fake). They have already seized its production since 2013, though the last batch had an expiry date in 2016. The lot number FDA cited also didn't appear in any of the company's records.
However, they are aware that some people still sell the products especially online. They are working closely with the FDA to prevent the sale of counterfeit products.
