US FDA Public Notification: ‘MAXILOSS Weight Advanced’ Contains Hidden Drug Ingredient

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Martin

[1-8-2013] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or use “MAXILOSS Weight Advanced,” a product promoted and sold for weight loss on various websites, including www.dreamlifeweightloss.com, and in some retail stores.

The release issued by the Ministry of Health stated that the FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that “MAXILOSS Weight Advanced” contains sibutramine. Sibutramine is a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for safety reasons. The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. This product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking.

Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away. Consumers who have experienced any negative side effects should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

2: US FDA General Caution: Residents of the Federation are asked to note the US FDA’s concern about “a growing trend of dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building and are often represented as being “all natural.” FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements. Because these products may have potentially harmful hidden ingredients, consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories.”

3: Ministry of Health General Advisory: The Ministry of Health strongly advises residents not to buy or consume food, beverages or any other product offered for sale whose labels are written in a language they do not understand. Product labels that have a few English words should also be avoided. Notwithstanding, prescription medicine labelled in a language other than English may be accepted provided that understandable advice and explanation is given by a licensed pharmacist.

At the very least, every label of every product offered for sale for human consumption must clearly and understandably display the brand name, chemical name, ingredients, and date and place of manufacture. Producers, importers, distributors and sellers of such products are required by ethics and law to comply with the highest standards of quality and transparency. Failure to do so on their part should evoke suspicion.

Reports of improperly labelled products may be made to the Departments of Consumer Affairs and to Environmental Health Officers on both islands. Persons experiencing adverse reactions or side effects should inform their doctor or community health centre.