The weight loss products are marketed at consumers. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the products contained two ingredients — sibutramine and phenolphthalein — that are not declared on the packaging or on the company’s website.
Sibutramine is an oral anorexiant. The drug has caused health problems and is associated with increased cardiovascular events and strokes. It is banned in the European Union and in the U.S., back in 2010. Phenolphthalein is a weak acid and has been used as a laxative; however it was removed from use because of concerns over carcinogenicity. It is also associated with gastrointestinal disturbances and an irregular heartbeat. The drug is not approved for use or sale in the U.S.
The FDA warns that the undeclared ingredients have not been tested for consumer safety and there is an absence of any drug efficacy data. Moreover, the Agency warns “these products may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.”
Although Bee Extremely Amazed has recalled the products in line with U.S. legislation, the company has issued a statement indicating that no adverse effects have been reported through any person taking the weight loss pills.
The products were available to U.S. consumers between April 29 and December 17, 2015. The products went under various brand names including those beginning with “Asset,” “Evolve,” “Infinity,” “Jenesis,” “La Trim” and “Oasis,” among others.
In related news, Baxter International Inc. has recalled two lots of intravenous solutions sold to hospitals. This is because of the presence of “particulate matter.” The particles were found to be insects, detected by a healthcare professional. The products were not used on patients. The risk was that the insects could have blocked blood vessels, leading to adverse health conditions.
