FDA to Consumers: Stop Taking Weight Loss Supplement Hydroxycut Immediately

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers who are taking Hydroxycut branded products sold in the United States to stop taking them immediately, after reports of consumers experiencing liver-related problems from taking the popular weight loss supplement.

Iovate Health Sciences USA, Inc., which manufacturers Hydroxycut, has voluntarily recalled the Hydroxycut branded products after the FDA’s assessment of 23 reports over seven years about consumers having experienced liver-related problems was different from Iovate’s analysis. Although the risk of liver damage appears relatively rare, the FDA says it is urging consumers not to expose themselves to the unnecessary risk.

Hydroxycut has been reformulated several times over the past few years, and old formulations contained the now banned stimulant Ephedra. It is unclear which ingredient or combination of ingredients in the current formulation is linked to liver failure and muscle toxicity. The two main herbal ingredients in the product have been known to cause rhabdomyolysis, a serious and potentially fatal disease involving degeneration of skeletal muscle. One of these is an extract from the peel Garcinia cambogia, which contains hydroxycitric acid, and the other ingredient is Gymnena sylvestre, often used in combination in weight loss products.

Here is the list of products being recalled by Iovate:

  • Hydroxycut Rapid Release Regular Caplets
  • Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
  • Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Caplets
  • Hydroxycut Max Caplets
  • Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packet
  • Hydroxycut Hardcare Drink Packet (Ignition Stix)
  • Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packet
  • Hydroxycut Max Drink Packet
  • Hydroxycut Liquid Shot
  • Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
  • Hydroxycut Hardcore RTD
  • Hydroxycut 24
  • Hydroxycut Carb Control
  • Hydroxycut Natural
Note: Hydroxycut Hoodia and Hydroxycut Cleanse products are not included in this recall.

If you have questions about the recall, visit the Hydroxycut Information website, or call the manufacturer at 877-468-2835 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.
Back to top