FDA calls out weight loss pills for ‘hidden’ ingredient that puts health of heart patients at risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers not to take Alfia Weight Loss Capsules due to a “hidden drug ingredient” that could present significant health risks for certain cardiac patients.
The agency’s own analysis confirmed that these capsules—marketed and sold as a weight loss product—contain sibutramine, a controlled substance that was removed from the market back in 2010 due to safety concerns.
“The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or heart rate in some people and may present a significant risk for people with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke,” the FDA wrote in its advisory. “This product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking.”
The agency asked that healthcare professionals and patients report any adverse events or side effects related to these capsules. Such reports can be completed here, and a downloadable form is also available.
The FDA has already had a busy February, clearing a new AI-powered cardiac imaging solution from DiA Imaging Analysis and approving a new indication for Abbott’s FlexAbility Sensor Enabled Ablation Catheter. Read here to catch up on some of the agency’s biggest cardiology-related announcements from January.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.