chinese weight loss pills

The FDA is alerting the general public about Chinese weight-loss products, Chaso (Jianfei) Diet Capsules and Chaso Genpi, since they pose a potential public health risk. chinese weight loss pills

The agency is alerting the general public to this health risk because several people in Japan are becoming ill, and some have died, after consuming these diet products.

"FDA is taking this action as a precautionary measure to help assure that folks are not exposed to this potentially dangerous product," said Dr. Lester M. Crawford, FDA Deputy Commissioner.

Products of this type tend to be sold in small urban markets as alternatives to Western medicine. In 2001, FDA issued a nationwide alert on the recall of thirteen "Treasure of the East" herbal products as a result of dangerous ingredient, aristolochic acid, which can be toxic to the kidney.

The deaths in Japan linked to these Chinese weight-loss products could have resulted from the clear presence of such active drug ingredients as fenfluramine in the capsules.

Fenfluramine and another diet drug, phentermine, were used in combination for weight loss until it was determined that the mix of drugs was linked to valvulopathy, a critical and sometimes fatal heart disease. Fenfluramine and a chemically similar drug, dexfenfluramine, were taken off the market in 1997. Phentermine, when used alone, has not been connected with valvulopathy and remains on the market.

FDA has advised its import operations personnel to be on the alert for Chaso Diet Capsules and Chaso Genpi. Lidaweightloss.com

The agency is urging consumers to not take these weightloss pills and to notify their local FDA if the products are within their area.