What is Ephedra?
Ephedra, also known by the name "Ma huang," is an ingredient that has been frequently used in dietary and performance enhancing supplements that claim to aid in weight loss and provide an increase in energy. Ephedra has also been used in the past as an ingredient in over the counter decongestants and in some forms of asthma treatments. Ephedra is a naturally occurring substance, with ephedrine as its main active ingredient. Dietary supplements utilize ephedra, as it is a stimulant similar to amphetamines; it raises blood pressure and increases the heart rate. These dietary supplements frequently include caffeine as an additional ingredient alongside ephedra in their products.
Ephedra Side Effects
Ephedra supplements may cause vomiting, nausea, tremors, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, or insomnia in those who take them. Ephedra may be linked to more serious side effects including heart palpitations, hypertension, seizure, heart attack and stroke. Those people who have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, and those who partake in strenuous exercise, are at an increased risk of suffering the harmful side effects of ephedra. Some studies report that ephedra may be linked to as many as 155 deaths; as well as many serious but non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. The high profile story of a 23-year-old professional baseball player whose death was possibly linked to ephedra has brought more attention to the possible dangerous side effects that ephedra products may induce in those who take them. A study published in the journal, Neurology, has reported that users of more than 32 milligrams a day of ephedra suffered strokes at a greater rate than non-users.
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Ephedra Ban
In 2004, the FDA ordered a ban on the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. It was the determination of the FDA in their rule that became effective on April 12, 2004, that ephedra presented an "unreasonable risk of illness or injury." The banning of supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids by the FDA marked the first time the sale of an over the counter nutritional supplement had been prohibited by the government. Unlike other regular drugs on the market, dietary supplements do not have to be proven safe before being put into the marketplace. The FDA may only remove dietary supplements from the market place if the products are deemed unsafe. Some states including New York, California, and Illinois previously passed their own prohibitions on the sale of ephedra products. Most professional sports associations including the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the International Olympic Committee all already prohibit the use of ephedra as they consider it a performance-enhancing drug.
Products Containing Ephedra
Ephedra has appeared in a variety of dietary and performance enhancing supplements. Some of the dietary supplements that may have used ephedra as an ingredient in their products in the past include; Metabolife, Ripped Fuel, Diet Fuel, Stacker 3, Hydroxycut, Xenadrine, and Metabolift.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has taken dietary supplements containing ephedra and noticed adverse side effects, such as hypertension and heart attack, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on ephedra litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP’s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning ephedra. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Ephedra Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Ephedra-P15/'>Ephedra: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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