After several studies linking the herb ephedra to serious side effects including death, heart attacks, and strokes resulting in permanent brain damage, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) banned products containing ephedra, effective April 12, 2004, except for the use of ephedra in traditional Chinese medicines and in products already controlled by the FDA. Ephedra is a naturally occurring form of ephedrine, an amphetamine-like substance that raises blood pressure and constricts blood vessels.
Concern was raised about ephedra several years before the ban. On September 6, 2001 the consumer advocacy group Public Citizens Health Research Group called for a ban on the substance. Canada issued warnings and requested recall of certain products containing ephedra in 2001 and 2002, and on October 8, 2002 the American Medical Association called for a ban on ephedra.
On February 28, 2003 the FDA proposed a rule to require a black-box warning, the highest level of warning required by the FDA, on products containing ephedra. The hearings on the rule and subsequent studies resulted in the FDA decision to implement a ban. While the ban was pending the FDA warned consumers not to use products containing ephedra.
On April 14, 2005 a federal court in Utah reversed the FDA’s ban in the state of Utah. At least one company is now manufacturing products containing ephedra and selling them online. On December 28, 2005 Health Canada issued a warning that consumers should not use Kaizen Ephedrine HCL, a product approved as a nasal decongestant and containing ephederine, as a weight-loss pill.
If you are concerned about ephedra side effects, and particularly if you have a history of heart trouble, high blood pressure, or neurological trouble, you should avoid products containing ephedra. Ephedra may also be listed as an ingredient under one of the following names:
Check out the following articles for more information about ephedra, filing an ephedra lawsuit and finding an ephedra attorney.