Hydroxycut products, generally used by dieters and bodybuilders, have been recalled after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the products' usage to serious liver damage and at least one death. The FDA warns that consumers should stop taking the drugs immediately.

Recall details

Hydroxycut's manufacturer, Iovate Health Sciences Corporation of Ontario, Canada and its U.S. distributor, Iovate Health Sciences USA of Blasdell, NY, have agreed to recall fourteen of its products after the FDA received reports of serious health problems such as liver damage, elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, rhabdomyolysis (a form of muscle damage that may lead to kidney failure), nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, itching and loss of appetite. One death has also been reported.

Which products are affected?

According to a press release from the FDA, the following products are affected:

• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
• 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

While not all of Iovate's products have been linked to serious adverse effects, the manufacturer has decided to recall the 14 products above. It should be noted that while Hydrocut Cleanse and Hoodia products are not part of the recall, some Hoodia manufacturers were recently sued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for deceptive marketing practices.

FDA's powers are limited, but manufacturers still liable

Although the FDA regulates drugs, it does not regulate herbal supplements. In fact, it generally relies on consumers to report illnesses before investigating these products – a practice that many would like to see changed. However, that doesn't mean that manufacturers are not liable for the products they put on the market. Anyone who has been injured by one of these products may be entitled to compensation. For more information, contact an experienced drug litigation attorney.

Need more information?

For additional information on the recall, see the FDA's website or Iovate's website.