Ephedra is a stimulant, also sold as the Asian supplement Ma Huang, that contains the herbal form of ephedrine, an FDA-regulated drug found in over-the-counter asthma medications. In the United States, ephedra and ephedrine are sold in health food stores and are widely used for weight loss, energy boosts, and to enhance athletic performance. Most consumers are unaware that suppliers of ephedra products are virtually free to make health claims about these substances that have no scientific basis. These suppliers also don't disclose the potentially deadly side effects of these products.
The FDA has received more than 800 reports of adverse effects from Ephedra and ephedrine alkaloids since 1994. These include:
. high blood pressure,
. heart rate irregularities,
. insomnia, nervousness,
. tremors,
. seizures,
. heart attacks,
. strokes,
. brain hemorrhages,
. and death.
The FDA does not currently regulate Ephedra because it is a dietary supplement protected under the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act of 1994; however, the agency has issued numerous warnings since the early 1990s about health risks to consumers of products containing ephedra.
Lopez, Hodes, Milman & Skikos is currently litigating a number of ephedra cases throughout the country. We are representing individuals who have experienced adverse effects from taking diet pills, energy enhancers, and other products containing Ephedra and ephedrine. If you or a loved one suffered a stroke or heart attack while taking one of these products, it is very important that you contact our attorneys as soon as possible to determine if you have a case.
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