HAWC putting out warning about Hydroxycut products Published May 5, 2009 By Nick Stubbs 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MacDill AFB, Fla. -- Keeping fit, cutting excess weight and building strength are desirable goals for Airmen, but not at the cost of their health and safety. The Health and Wellness Center is trying to spread the word about a new warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products due to reports of "serious liver injuries." "We just want to spread the word about the potential danger and the recall," said Joan Craft, director of the HAWC. "We are concerned that there may be people on base who are not aware of dangers associated with the products." According to a May 1 release by the FDA, "Hydroxycut is manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y. Some Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. Iovate has agreed to recall Hydroxycut products from the market." The release reports that 23 cases of serious health problems have been received, ranging from jaundices and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of liver injury, and liver damage requiring a liver transplant. One death due to liver failure has been reported to the FDA. The product line includes a number of Hydroxycut items. Some of the products may be among supplements and aides used by MacDill personnel. They include: 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 According to the FDA release, although the FDA has not received reports of serious liver-related adverse reactions for all Hydroxycut products, Iovate has agreed to recall all the products listed above. Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products are not affected by the recall. Consumers who have any of the products involved in the recall are advised to stop using them and to return them to the place of purchase. The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts. For more information, visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm