WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers about two unapproved drugs that are being sold on the market. The drugs in question are Emagrece Sim, or the Brazilian Diet Pill, and Herbathin.
The FDA says that these drugs may contain anti-depressants, tranquilizers and stimulants. These drugs are being sold as "dietary supplements" when in fact they contain many active ingredients found in prescription drugs like Prozac and Librium.
The FDA warned that their use could have many adverse affects. Both the drugs also contained a stimulant called Fenproporex. This is not approved for use in the United States. "Fenproporex is converted in the body to amphetamine, and as a result has been noted to show up in urinalysis as a positive test for amphetamines," the FDA said.
These pills can cost up to $230 for a supply of 30 days and are often sold over the Internet. "These products are not approved by FDA and if people experience side effects, it is difficult to trace problems and for physicians to treat them. . . . There are dangers to consumers who purchase diet pills that contain drugs of unknown origin and quality," said Steven Galson of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Amphetamines are strong drugs that are not advised for use by patients with heart problems or blood pressure.
Emagrece Sim and Herbathin are reportedly made from herbs, but the FDA says that innocent consumers are being taken for a ride. Fluoxetine, an anti-depressant compound found in these pills also encourages suicidal tendencies if given to children. "These products are illegal. They're purported to be dietary supplements except they contain significant prescription drug ingredients,” the director of the FDA's Office of Enforcement, David Elder said. The FDA is discouraging the use of these pills among dieters.
