Metabolife / Ephedra Dangers

Debate Over Ephedra Continues to be Heated

July 25, 2003
Ephedra may be banned very soon, according to the FDA. FDA officials told lawmakers that ephedra might have an even more grim future ahead. After the death of Steve Bechler in February, the FDA had ordered that all ephedra containing products contain the warning of the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and death. The FDA commissioner told House members that the agency is thinking of taking serious actions on ephedra, including the possibility of banning it completely.

The Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson thinks that dietary supplement makers should have to be required to alert the FDA about possible risks and side effects just like any other drug companies. The 1994 law exempts dietary supplement makers from having to report ephedra risks and effects to the FDA. Thompson has urged Congress to change the 1994 law. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig has shared similar views as Thompson in urging Congress to regulate ephedra and changing the 1994 law.

Some people are concerned with the length of time it will take for legislation to go through if an ephedra ban is instituted. Currently, the Justice Department is investigating Metabolife International to see if the company lied about ephedra safety. Back in 1998, Metabolife president told the FDA that the company had never received ephedra safety complaints, but it was discovered later that Metabolife had over 14,000 records of Metabolife ephedra consumer phone concerns.

For more information on Metabolife and ephedra, please contact us to speak with a lawyer.

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