Not-so-natural “dietary supplements” recalled

Aug 31, 2010 10:35 AM

Supplements for weight loss, sexual enhancement, and body building have in the past been found to contain potentially harmful prescription drugs or steroids, we noted in our story on Dangerous Supplements. In recent weeks, there’ve been eight new voluntary national recalls and warnings about supplements that the FDA said harbored hidden prescription drugs that may have posed harm to consumers. Also, the FDA warned consumers not to use one supplement, Miracle Mineral Solution, because, when used as directed, the FDA said the product produced an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm.

Here’s a round-up of recent recalls and warnings:

Aug 25: The FDA warned consumers to avoid TimeOut Capsules, marketed as a supplement for sexual enhancement, after finding it contained a chemical ingredient similar to sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra). The chemical may interact with prescription drugs such as nitrates, including nitroglycerin, and cause dangerously low blood pressure, the FDA said.

Aug 24: Natural Wellness announced a nationwide voluntary recall of one lot of MasXtreme after FDA testing found undeclared amounts of an ingredient similar to tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis). The chemical may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, the FDA said.

Aug 18: Glow Industries, Inc., of Perrysburg, Ohio, announced a voluntary nationwide recall of three lots of Mr. Magic Male Enhancer from Don Wands after being informed by FDA that they contained an undeclared Viagra-like ingredient.

Aug 18: J & H Besta Corp. of Hicksville, N.Y., announced a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of Slim-30 Herb Supplement after FDA found it contained an undeclared ingredient similar to the prescription appetite suppressant sibutramine (the active ingredient in Meridia). The FDA said 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. And on July 16, J & H Besta Corp. issued a voluntary national recall of one lot of the supplement after the FDA found it contained undeclared ingredients, including traces of sibutramine. Aug 10: Novacare LLC announced a voluntary nationwide recall of the affected lots of 21 products—Stiff Nights, Aziffa, Size Matters, Erex, Mojo, Hard Drive, Eyeful, Red Magic, Straight Up, Zotrex, Monster Excyte, WOW, Xaitrex, Verect, Prolatis, Xytamax, Maxyte, Libidinal, OMG, OMG45, and Zilex (with Golden Spear)—after the FDA said they appeared to contain an undeclared ingredient similar to Viagra.

Aug 9: Prolatis’ issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its product, Prolatis’, manufactured prior to Aug. 9, 2010, after the FDA said that lab analysis had found Prolatis’ contained an undeclared ingredient similar to Viagra.

Aug 6: EZVille, Ltd., of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., issued a voluntary nationwide recall of affected lots of Revivexxx Extra Strength after being informed by the FDA that its lab analysis had found undeclared Cialis. The company also issued a voluntary national recall of affected lots of Solo Slim and Solo Slim Extra Strength after the FDA said its testing of Solo Slim had found an undeclared drug ingredient similar to Meridia.

July 30: The FDA warned consumers not to drink Miracle Mineral Solution (also known as "Miracle Mineral Supplement" or "MMS") because the product, when used as directed, produced an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm. The agency said it has received reports of health injuries from consumers, including severe nausea, vomiting, and life-threatening low blood pressure from dehydration. Consumers who have MMS should stop using it immediately and throw it away, the FDA said.

—Douglas Podolsky, senior editor

For more on supplement safety, see our Dangerous Supplements report. And to keep up with our news and tips, "like" us on Facebook and sign up for our mobile health alerts.