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HaCKeRz KrOnIcKLeZ 3
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herbal.ecstasy.fda
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1996-05-06
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WASHINGTON (Reuter) - U.S. health officials warned Wednesday
against using diet supplements containing ephedrine sold as
alternatives to street drugs such as ``Ecstasy'', saying they
posed serious health risks.
The Food and Drug Administration said the products, often
targeted at adolescents and young adults, are marketed under
brand names with implications that they produce euphoria,
heightened sexual sensation and awareness or increased energy.
It said they contain botanical or ``natural'' sources of
ephedrine, an amphetamine-like stimulant that can have dangerous
effects on the nervous system and heart.
The FDA said the possible adverse effects ranged from heart
attack, stroke, seizures, psychosis and death to less serious
ones such as dizziness and irregular heartbeat.
It said the risks were serious and it was investigating the
production and marketing of ephedrine-containing products sold
as alternatives to illegal street drugs.
The FDA said that many of the products bear labels implying
they can produce a ``high'' and it said it considered this type
of promotion and these claims to violate the food and drug law,
even as amended in 1994.
It said it was committed to take any action needed to remove
such products from the market.
But the agency added that under the amended law it has to
act product-by-product to show that something is unsafe rather
than be able to require a manufacturer to prove its product is
safe before it can be marketed.
The agency said that ingredients listed on the panels of the
products may include ma huang, Chinese ephedra extract, ephedra
herb powder, epitonin or ephedrine, any of which indicate the
present of ephedrine.
The FDA asked that consumers who have had an adverse
reaction after taking a dietary supplement or any product
containing an ephedrine alkaloid to call the agency at 1-800-FDA
4010.
It said health professionals who have treated patients with
adverse side effects should call the FDA's Medwatch hot line at
1-800-FDA-1088.